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Services Acquisition Workshop (SAW)

What is a SAW?

A Services Acquisition Workshop, or SAW, is a facilitated workshop built around a specific acquisition and its multi-functional team (MFT).

  • Guides MFT through 7-Step service acquisition process
  • Mandatory for acquisitions of $500M or more total acquisition value, or $250M or more in any one year
  • For multiple award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts, a SAW is not required for the base contract, but is required for any task order valued at $100 million or more.
  • Strongly recommended for services acquisitions of $10M or more
  • Generally, a multi-phase series of workshops for larger acquisitions (> $250M)
  • Available as a virtual instructor led workshop or instructor led (in-person) workshop 
  • To request a SAW, send an email to [email protected]
     

Where should I start?

Document Description
SAW Talking Paper An in-depth description of the SAW covering frequently asked questions.
SAW Tool A DAU tool that captures when a SAW is mandatory, documents developed throughout the 7-step process, resources and available services acquisition training.
Step 0 Assessment Assess where you are in your acquisition.  Used by DAU for initial coordination with DoD requesting activity.

 

Resources for the Multifunctional Team
Document Description
Agile 101, An Agile Primer.  OUSD(A&S) Provides an overview of Agile values, principles, concepts, vocabulary, terms and roles to provide an understanding of the breadth of Agile and how it differs from traditional project management practices.
Agile Release Teams Sample PWS Agile Release Team(s) and Stories FFP PWS Template
Contracting Considerations for Agile Solutions Key Agile Concepts and Sample Work Statement Language
Data Item Descriptions (DID) Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) and Data Item Descriptions (DID)
DoDD 1100.4 Guidance for Manpower Management
DoDI 1100.22  Policy and Procedures for Determining Workforce Mix
DoDI 5000.74 Defense Acquisition of Services DoD Services Acquisition policy.
DoDI 7041.04  Estimating and Comparing the Full Costs of Civilian and Active Duty Military Manpower and Contract Support
DoD Enterprise Services Management Framework (DESMF) Ed. III DoD Components should ensure their ITSM activities are consistent with DESMF guidance in accordance with DoD Instruction 8440.01, Information Technology Service Management. Through the DESMF, the Department can identify and eliminate redundancy, inefficiency, and service quality deficiencies. 
DESMF and SLAs Defense Enterprise Service Management Framework (DESMF) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)--a 2-3 page primer.
GAO-12-681 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT GAO identified 32 practices and approaches as effective for applying Agile software development methods
Handbook of Contract Function Checklists for Services Acquisition A workforce analysis of the decision to in-source or out-source should include any past decisions and why the requirement cannot be fulfilled with military or civilian personnel.
IMP-IMS Guide 2023 Integrated Master Plan and Integrated Master Schedule Preparation and Use Guide, May 2023
Metrics or Measures A collection of Acquisition-related metrics for a Requirements Activity or Contracting Office.
PWS Writing Guidelines Excellent info on writing a PWS (see also, the PWS Writing Guidelines presentation)
PWS Writing Guidelines Presentation DAU PowerPoint slide presentation based on the PWS Writing Guidelines
RIO SAW Presentation Risk, Issue and Opportunity (RIO) slides used in a SAW
Service Level Agreement (SLA) Primer Considerations when it comes to using a SLA
SD-2 Buying Commercial Items and Non-developmental Items guidance on acquisitions involving all types of commercial and non-developmental items: systems, subsystems, assemblies, parts, and items of supply. Commercial services are also addressed.
SD-5 Market Research Practical guidance on using market research. Designed for personnel involved with establishing requirements for products or services, such as engineers, technical specialists, project officers, etc.
Source Selection Plan (SSP) Template From GSA Acquisition Gateway, a USAF SSP Template
Community
ACE for Services