Defense Contracting and FAR/DFARS Compliance Training Course

Defense Contracting and FAR/DFARS Compliance Training Course

Introduction

Defense contracting requires an advanced understanding of regulatory frameworks, contract administration, supplier oversight, and compliance obligations under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). In an environment defined by high-risk procurement, audit scrutiny, cybersecurity requirements, and evolving national security standards, organizations must implement strong compliance systems to maintain contract eligibility, protect government interests, and ensure operational integrity. Defense Contracting and FAR/DFARS Compliance Training Course provides extensive insights into defense acquisition processes, compliance workflows, contract lifecycle management, and performance accountability within Department of Defense (DoD) contracting.

Participants will develop practical competencies in navigating mandatory clauses, reporting obligations, cybersecurity maturity requirements, contract cost principles, subcontracting rules, and post-award responsibilities. Through the use of high-impact case studies and real-world scenarios, learners will explore best practices for mitigating compliance risks, strengthening internal controls, enhancing audit readiness, and improving contract performance. The course equips professionals with the tools, frameworks, and operational strategies necessary to uphold regulatory standards, advance organizational capability, and achieve excellence in defense contracting environments.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the foundational principles of defense contracting within FAR and DFARS frameworks.
2. Analyze trending regulatory requirements impacting modern defense procurement.
3. Apply compliance strategies across the acquisition and contract lifecycle.
4. Strengthen organizational readiness for federal audits, reviews, and assessments.
5. Interpret mandatory clauses and implement contract-specific obligations.
6. Navigate cybersecurity and supply chain requirements applicable to DoD contractors.
7. Improve contract cost management and allowability determinations.
8. Manage subcontractor oversight and cascading compliance responsibilities.
9. Enhance performance monitoring through advanced contract administration methods.
10. Identify and mitigate compliance-related risks using analytical tools.
11. Strengthen ethical standards, reporting mechanisms, and internal control systems.
12. Implement documentation systems that support traceability and audit compliance.
13. Integrate best practices to maintain competitiveness in defense contracting markets.

Organizational Benefits

• Improved contract performance and regulatory adherence
• Reduced exposure to compliance violations and penalties
• Strengthened alignment with federal acquisition expectations
• Increased organizational competitiveness in defense procurement
• Enhanced cybersecurity and supply chain risk mitigation
• Improved subcontractor oversight and quality assurance
• Greater audit readiness through strong documentation controls
• Streamlined contract lifecycle management workflows
• Strengthened internal governance structures and accountability
• Enhanced credibility with government agencies and contracting partners

Target Audiences

• Contract administrators and compliance officers
• Defense procurement specialists and acquisition teams
• Legal counsels and government contracting advisors
• Supplier management and subcontracting professionals
• Program managers and project oversight teams
• Risk management and internal audit personnel
• Cybersecurity and supply chain compliance staff
• Executives and leadership engaged in defense contracting

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Defense Contracting

• Overview of federal defense procurement structures
• Understanding DoD acquisition priorities and requirements
• The role of contractors in defense supply chains
• Key elements of the defense contract lifecycle
• Regulatory exposure points and compliance needs
• Case Study: Organizational challenges during initial DoD contract onboarding

Module 2: Foundations of FAR Structure and Application

• Composition and layout of the FAR
• Identifying applicable FAR parts for defense contracts
• Interpreting mandatory versus optional requirements
• FAR flow-downs and clause interpretations
• Compliance checkpoints within procurement stages
• Case Study: FAR misinterpretation leading to contract performance issues

Module 3: DFARS Requirements and DoD-Specific Mandates

• Structure and purpose of DFARS
• DFARS clauses impacting contractor operations
• Cybersecurity and CUI requirements under DFARS
• Flow-down requirements to subcontractors
• Key DFARS deviations and supplemental guidance
• Case Study: DFARS non-compliance discovered during DoD audit

Module 4: Contract Types and Their Compliance Implications

• Fixed-price versus cost-reimbursement contracts
• Incentive, time-and-materials, and IDIQ structures
• Compliance expectations per contract type
• Risk exposure associated with pricing models
• Documentation required throughout contract performance
• Case Study: Mismanagement of a cost-reimbursement contract

Module 5: Pre-Award Processes and Proposal Compliance

• Responding to RFPs, RFQs, and solicitations
• Developing compliant proposals and pricing submissions
• Certifications, representations, and required documentation
• Identifying risks in pre-award evaluations
• Bid protest considerations and regulatory foundations
• Case Study: Proposal rejection due to missing compliance disclosures

Module 6: Post-Award Contract Administration

• Managing contract modifications and change orders
• Monitoring performance deliverables and milestones
• Implementing internal controls for contract oversight
• Understanding COR and CO interactions
• Maintaining compliance during contract execution
• Case Study: Contract delay triggered by administrative oversight gaps

Module 7: Cost Principles, Allowability, and Billing Compliance

• Understanding allowable, unallowable, and allocable costs
• Navigating cost accounting standards
• Timekeeping, labor charging, and indirect cost rates
• Documentation and billing accuracy requirements
• Avoiding cost mischarging violations
• Case Study: DCAA findings on improper labor charging

Module 8: Subcontract Management and Flow-Down Compliance

• Selecting and vetting subcontractors for defense requirements
• Flow-down of FAR/DFARS clauses
• Monitoring subcontractor performance and reporting
• Managing subcontractor risk exposure
• Maintaining documentation and audit readiness
• Case Study: Non-compliant subcontract causing prime contractor liability

Module 9: Supply Chain Security and Cybersecurity Requirements

• Understanding CMMC maturity requirements
• Managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
• Cybersecurity reporting obligations
• Securing digital infrastructure and vendor systems
• Implementing continuous monitoring practices
• Case Study: Cyber incident involving subcontractor network breach

Module 10: Ethics, Conduct, and Mandatory Reporting

• Ethical standards under FAR Part 3
• Conflicts of interest and procurement integrity rules
• Mandatory disclosure requirements
• Whistleblower protections and reporting tools
• Preventing fraud, waste, and abuse
• Case Study: Ethics violation resulting in contract suspension

Module 11: Quality Assurance and Performance Monitoring

• Ensuring product and service quality compliance
• Implementing Quality Assurance Surveillance Plans (QASPs)
• Monitoring KPIs and contractor performance metrics
• Managing corrective action plans
• Strengthening accountability structures
• Case Study: Failed performance review and contract cure notice

Module 12: Documentation, Recordkeeping, and Audit Readiness

• Essential documentation across the contract lifecycle
• Maintaining audit-ready files
• Preparing for DCAA, DCMA, and IG audits
• Responding to audit findings
• Strengthening data accuracy and retention processes
• Case Study: Audit discrepancies impacting contract renewal

Module 13: Contract Closeout Requirements

• Understanding closeout timelines and processes
• Validating final invoices and deliverables
• Property disposition and traceability
• Ensuring financial reconciliation
• Avoiding compliance delays at closeout
• Case Study: Delayed contract closeout due to incomplete documentation

Module 14: Managing Compliance Risk and Internal Controls

• Identifying and assessing compliance risks
• Implementing risk mitigation strategies
• Designing internal control frameworks
• Monitoring systems for continuous improvement
• Developing organizational compliance culture
• Case Study: Risk assessment revealing systemic compliance gaps

Module 15: Building Long-Term Excellence in Defense Contracting

• Strengthening organizational capability and expertise
• Leveraging technology for compliance automation
• Integrating continuous training and skill development
• Maintaining strong government-contractor relations
• Enhancing long-term contract competitiveness
• Case Study: Multi-year compliance transformation initiative

Training Methodology

• Instructor-led lectures supported by real-world defense examples
• Interactive group discussions and scenario-based learning
• Case study analysis drawn from defense contracting environments
• Practical exercises on FAR/DFARS interpretation and application
• Templates, compliance checklists, and operational tools
• Action planning for organizational compliance improvement

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.com or call +254769199797 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to FINESKILL TRAINING CENTER account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.