Don’t Forget Your Kids…or Necessary Training! OFPP Updates FAC-P/PM

You know what else will help avoid Healthcare.gov repeats in the future?  Better equipped Federal project and program managers.

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) has just released updated guidance (new since 2007) on the Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM) requirements.

As Jason Miller, at FederalNewsRadio.com reported, “Under new requirements from the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, agency Chief Acquisition Officers (CAOs) no longer have the option to waive all or part of the program and project certification prerequisites.”

OFPP Administrator Joe Jordan, who delivered the memo, noted:

“While program and project managers are important for all Federal programs, OMB’s Office of E-government and Information Technology has highlighted, through its policies, the importance of strong program and project managers in managing IT programs. The FAC-P/PM builds upon this good work and adds core-plus specialized certifications, the first one being in the area of IT.”

Further, Jordan included commentary pushing the importance of leadership skills in our project and program managers:

“The FAC-P/PM is only one component of strengthening the program and project managers function. Equally important is selecting the right individuals with appropriate experience and leadership skills who will effectively collaborate and communicate with other members of the acquisition team and other stakeholders within the organization.”

Adding fuel to the fire, FCW reported yesterday on a new report from the IBM Center for the Business of Government, detailing recommendations for the Defense Department to improve the way it buys goods and services.

2014 will be all about changing the way in which government sources, buys, and implements large projects.  Stronger leadership and FAC-P/PM skills will be vital – start looking now for necessary certification updates, refreshers, and required training.

Management Concepts has a full curriculum on FAC-P/PM, as well full course offerings in Federal acquisition management.

OFPP noted these new FAC-P/PM requirements become effective March 31.