The Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded the Principles of Defense Procurement and Contracting resident course in Monterey, California. This International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) course provides a theoretical and practical examination of fundamental concepts and challenges associated with national and global defense contracting.

Participants examine methodologies that ensure needs based requirements, work in groups to develop and issue requests for tender, and use reasoned decision-making in supplier selection. Critical post-award contract management considerations are also discussed. U.S. and international best practices are examined, as are challenges associated with institutionalizing efficient and effective procurement systems.

Objectives include:
♦ Better understand fundamental concepts and challenges associated with national and global defense contracting and procurement.
♦ Critically examine requirements definition, and tendering and sourcing methodologies with a focus on characteristics of efficient and effective contract and procurement processes.
♦ Assist countries in their efforts to develop and institutionalize transparent, efficient, and effective contract and procurement systems.

This cohort also had the opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park during their time in the United States as part of the Field Studies Program.

This Principles of Defense Procurement and Contracting course is scheduled as part of the International Defense Acquisition Management six-week resident course pipeline that is conducted twice a year. Participants may attend each course as standalone or in sequence. The next iteration of this resident course is scheduled 20 - 21 February 2025. Courses are conducted as part of the U.S. Government’s Security Cooperation efforts. Interested partner nation personnel should contact their government’s international cooperation section, or the relevant U.S. Embassy’s security/military cooperation office for selection processes and enrollment.

To learn more about courses offered through the ISG, visit the SCHOOLHOUSE INFORMATION HUB.