ISG IDARM team conducts "Principles of Defense Procurement and Contracting" Resident Course - Defense Security Cooperation University

The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) team conducted the “Principles of Defense Procurement and Contracting” resident course from 9-17 March 2020. Hosted at ISG headquarters in Monterey, California, instructors worked alongside participants to explore both the theoretical and practical aspects of the pre-award, award, and post award phases the contracting process. International best practices were examined along with the challenges associated with institutionalizing efficient and effective procurement processes.

Twenty-three military officers and government officials from fourteen countries (Albania, Brazil, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Gabon, Indonesia, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Oman, Poland, Serbia, South Korea and Uganda) were able to share their experiences in a wide range of defense acquisition management fields including finance, legal, logistics, contracting, and foreign military sales (FMS) case management.

Colonel Luis Fernando Ferro, course participant, highlighted the importance of continuing education in the ever-evolving field of defense acquisition and the aim for continual process improvement. "Participating in the IDARM course was a very enriching experience. Although the Brazilian Air Force has a settled flow to procure and contract, it is always important to review and update our processes. It was a great opportunity to review key concepts, learn from professionals, and interact with people who brought knowledge from all over the world."

The course was led by ISG-IDARM’s faculty team, which is comprised of academics and practitioners employing a concept and application methodology in which part of each day is dedicated to lecture and discussion, followed by working group exercises. The use of case studies, exercises and the working groups continues to be a very effective approach for students to more fully comprehend the concepts they learn in the classroom presentations and build defense acquisition professional networks. These discussions and working group presentations significantly contribute to knowledge retention and personal relevance of the curriculum. Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Ivanovic remarked on the unique opportunity to engage in focused working groups and appreciation for not only creating this space, but also encouraging creative problem solving throughout the scenario, realistic of the common challenges that faced around the world.

Given the increasing travel restrictions and precautionary safety measures related to the spread of COVID-19 virus, the team opted to condense course curriculum and conduct an early closure of the course while providing support to self-isolating course participants. IDARM worked closely with the U.S. Embassy security cooperation offices within the participating countries to coordinate the safe return of our international military and civilian course participants to their home countries.

Throughout the course and during closing remarks students expressed appreciation to the course manager, Samantha Schwellenbach, fellow instructors, and operations support team for the knowledge they had gained and enduring support during these uncertain times.

The "Principles of Defense Procurement and Contracting" global resident course (MASL P159202) is scheduled for delivery in Monterey, CA from 2-13 November 2020 and 8 - 19 Mar 2021. This course can be conducted in country using MASL P309136. All course programming is managed through the U.S. Embassy Security Cooperation Offices (SCOs) and the Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA).