First, with the Back to Basics (BtB) memo (also available on the Policy Tab here in the community), things are changing.  I think more seats will become available for our non-acquisition personnel performing services acquisition functions.  ​Last year we had 81 Priority 9s graduate from an ACQ265 (38) or ACQ265V (43)--slightly more once ACQ 265 went virtual.  Currently, for FY21 there are 14 ACQ265Vs in ATRRS and 4 are just about full.  NOTE:  the schedule only goes out to 2QFY21, so I expect to see more offerings added after the new year.

If you are a non-acquisition workforce member, you're a priority 9.  What that means is you will be waitlisted for any of these offerings until 1 month out.  At one month out, if there's a seat available, it's filled from those Priority 9s that are on the waitlist.  It's your seat now--you won't be bumped.  The other trick is to contact DAU and attempt to gain a seat from any no-shows on the first day of class.  Ask if you can get access to the ACQ265 pre-classroom work so you are ready for class on day 1.  On average, I fill one seat per class this way.  So if you are proactive and have some flexibility, you have a much better shot at getting into a class.

Here's my Second thought:  With the BtB and the six functional areas streamlining the required training, more seats are likely to be available when ACQ265 is no longer required (currenly ACQ265 is on a pick list for Logistics and Contracting).  This isn't locked yet, but it's my prediction (Stroup, editor, ACE for Services).  Hopefully we still see contractiong and logistics professionals in ACQ265 as they find a need to learn about services acquisitions. 

Third.  Rules for use of credentials are to be written.  The BtB memo tasks Human Capital Initiatives (HCI) with revising DoDI 5000.66 and a lot of thought needs to go into the policy about use, prioritization, expiration of credentials.  My input on the matter is that re-qualifying ought to be something much more engaging then retaking the current exam (that should keep me busy in the future). You'll find the current rules on the DAU Credentials page. 

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts!  And a reminder that there exists great training for services acquisition that has no waitlist because it's entirely on line.  ACQ 1650, ACQ 256 (that's the tools course), CLM 006 (soon to be ACQ 0060) (Cost Estimating), all OLTs, had over 2500 Priority 9 grads last FY.  Stop by the training tab here on the ACE for Services home page for more info on DAU Learning Assets.  Happy new fiscal year!  Ad