Noteboom The Law Firm

The VA Trains Their Own Acquisition Workers

June 4, 2010 - Approximately 15% of the acquisition workforce is eligible for retirement. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking proactive measures to counteract the negative effects of this happening. The VA's focus isn't just on themselves, they are willing to help any civilian agency needing assistance.

The VA's Acquisition Academy was first opened in 2008 and is now expanding its offered classes. These new classes will be used to train the next generation of interns to serve as a three-year rotation. The Academy provides a very centralized training environment, which in turn provides a better training approach. The holistic approach the Academy uses is driven by tight teamwork and "synergy." The end product is a better trained and more motivated individual. The new classes will provide training for:

• Contracting officers;
• Program/project Managers; and
• The intern program.

 Next to the Department of Defense (DoD) the VA is the largest government agency and the largest civilian agency. By creating their own training for acquisition workers, the VA has attempted to take steps to insulate themselves from things like mass retirements. The new class of 30 interns was selected from 400 competent candidates - the VA can choose from the best of the best to become VA employees.

The Academy also wants to begin hiring veterans and if all works as planned, at any given time, there will be 90 interns progressing through the program. Classes start with very basic skills and move into simulated acquisitions. Mistakes and failing are not met with scorn as that is part of building skills. Students will get on-the-job training under supervision so they may be productive sooner rather than later. The more skills they build, the more confidence and competence they build.