New contingency contracting simulation module available

Defense AT&L, July-August, 2008

Say you're a newcomer to the military and the Department of Defense, placed in a contingency position. You know you will be deploying soon to support an exercise, simulating a warzone so you can get a better handle on how best to accomplish the contingency contracting mission. You have also been told by your training representative you are scheduled for the mandatory Defense Acquisition University Contingency Contracting course in six months.

Then, bang! You get the call to move out. In two weeks, you find yourself on the ground in a remote corner of the world. What's more, you have to purchase most supplies from the local economy. What language do they speak here? What currency is used? What are the local customs? How will you deal with U.S. contractors vying for some of the action?

Hopefully that won't happen to you, because you can take CLM 039 Contingency Contracting Simulation: Barda Bridge. This robust module steers the Contingency Contracting Officer (CCO) through pre-deployment, initial deployment to the warfighting zone and build-up phases, and concludes with a final major project--employing critical decision-making skills--before returning the CCO to the home station. Get all this in a two-to three-hour simulation and be better prepared for your role in supporting the warfighter as a CCO. For more information, contact the professor of Contract Business Management at cbm@dau.mil.