PERFORMANCE BASED SERVICES ACQUISITION TWO-DAY TRAINING COURSE 

Our two-day course, grounded in the virtual handbook on “Seven Steps to Performance-Based Services Acquisition (PBSA),” is designed to introduce the participant to Performance Based Services Acquisition (PBSA).  Through the use of complementary learning techniques, including lectures and opportunities for interchange and the discussion of case-studies and vignettes, our curriculum concentrates on transforming PBSA theory into application and practice, especially in dealing with the critical role played by integrated solutions teams and their importance throughout the PBSA process

Sterling Heritage Consulting has adapted it’s experience assisting as many as forty integrated solutions teams with performance based services acquisitions to develop this training program.  The course relies heavily on the experience and lessons learned of the Sterling Heritage team while emphasizing the tasks and skills required to plan, solicit, evaluate, award, and manage a successful performance based services acquisition.  At the conclusion of this course, each student will have a thorough understanding of the seven steps to performance based contracting and  necessary skills required to perform the various functions involved in a successful performance based services acquisition.  The student will also have an appreciation for the challenges that lie ahead as their organizations make the transition to successful performance based acquisitions.

Following is an overview of the two days:

Day One

Morning Session:

Overview of PBSA -  A summary of overall objectives of PBSA; its key components; a comparison of PBSA and design or specification-based acquisitions; and a summary of the seven steps to successful performance based acquisitions.

Step One: The Integrated Solutions  Team - The purpose of this section is to demonstrate the importance and key components of establishing an integrated solutions team prior to developing services acquisition solicitation documents.  Particular attention is given to identifying the key functions and stakeholders that participate in an integrated solutions team; identifying how to successfully participate in and manage an integrated solutions team; and the importance of maintaining a knowledge base throughout the project.

Step Two: Describing the Problem - This section focuses on answering the questions -

• What is the problem the agency needs to solve?

• What results are needed?

• Will the acquisition meet the organizational and mission objectives?

• What is the current level of performance?

• What areas need improvement

Afternoon Session:

Step Three: Market Research to Examine Public & Private Sector Solutions - Many times another agency or private sector company has had a similar acquisition in the past.  This section discusses the tools and techniques for acquiring and examining public and private sector capabilities and solutions to similar procurements.

Step Four: Developing a Statement of Objectives - This session discusses the Statement of Objectives approach and how it is used in a performance-based acquisition.  Emphasis is placed on tools and techniques that are used to draft a statement of objectives. 

Step Four: Developing a Performance Work Statement -  This session is divided into two parts.  The first introduces requirements analysis, and introduces several techniques for conducting requirements analysis.  The second part moves the participants from a requirements analysis to the use of performance requirements that are described in terms of measurable outcomes.  Participants are given the tools to rewrite a draft requirement into a solid performance requirement that clearly describes outcomes in crisp, declarative, contractually binding language.

Day Two

Morning Session:

Step Five: Deciding How to Measure and Manage Performance - Examines the importance of structuring performance measurement and management to achieve desired outcomes.  Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of tailoring performance measurement to the overarching desired outcomes; using commercial standards when appropriate; identifying techniques for using contractor proposed metrics; and identifying techniques for incorporating negotiated changes to metrics.

Performance Standards - In PBSA it is important to identify and structure performance standards that permit the parties to accurately judge whether performance is satisfying expectations.  We provide tools to identify performance standards that are measurable, achievable, within the contractor’s control, and a relevant measure of the desired outcome. 

Performance Measures - Any successful procurement requires that the government be able to identify how they will evaluate and assess contractor performance.  This section identifies key performance indicators related to performance requirements and the key considerations in choosing performance measures. 

Performance Incentives - Performance incentives are a useful tool to improve contractor performance in PBSA.  This section examines the major types of performance incentives and the key considerations to be addressed in their use.  We discuss the common elements of a performance incentive structure, and identify the incentives inherent in different contract types.

Afternoon Session: 

Step Six: Selecting the Right Contractor - This session discusses the techniques and source selection criteria that result in identifying and selecting contractors that are capable of achieving performance excellence.  Some of the areas to be covered include how to successfully identify evaluation criteria that are indicators of a contractor’s likelihood of achieving performance excellence; understanding how to evaluate both the strength of the proposed solution as well as the potential of a contractor to successfully perform on the contract; and how to attract proposals that will achieve the goals and objectives of a performance-based services acquisition.

Step Seven: Managing Performance - A discussion of how to assist in the successful management of a performance based services acquisition through the review of contractor performance and identification of the key steps to successful performance management

Key Points to Remember - The PBSA training session concludes with a review of the seven steps to performance-based contracting and the tasks and skills required to successfully plan, solicit, evaluate, award and manage a successful performance-based services acquisition.  

After completing this comprehensive two-day course, you will have a thorough understanding of the fundamental techniques of PBSA that can be immediately applied in your job.  You will also gain the skills to develop and implement performance-based requirements, a performance work statement, quality assurance plans, performance standards and measures, and positive and negative incentives.  In addition, the course will provide you with the ability to:

• Determine when PBSA is relevant and appropriate

• Understand how to employ market research and use a Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Objectives (SOO) that allows industry to propose solutions and means for measuring results based on their solution

• Evaluate the contractor’s solutions and award and monitor a PBSA. 

Go to a listing of organizations we have assisted.

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