FAC-P/PM Senior/Expert Requirements

At the Senior/Expert level, program and project managers should have, through training, experience, and other development activities:

  • knowledge and skills to manage and evaluate moderate to high-risk programs or projects that require significant acquisition investment and agency knowledge and experience
  • ability to manage and evaluate a program and create an environment for program success
  • ability to manage and evaluate the requirements development process, overseeing junior level team members in creation, development, and implementation
  • expert ability to use, manage, and evaluate management processes, including performance-based management techniques
  • expert ability to manage and evaluate the use of earned value management as it relates to acquisition investments

Experience:

At least four years of program and project management experience on federal projects and/or programs, including managing and evaluating agency acquisition investment performance, developing and managing a program budget, building and presenting a successful business case, reporting program results, strategic planning, and high-level communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Training:

Training in program and project management at this level should be provided to develop the essential interpersonal and management competencies required of high-performing, successful program and project managers such as strategic thinking, vision, and external awareness. (Refer to the FAC-P/PM Training Crosswalk for a listing of the competencies/aligned skills needed at this level).

Specifically, at the Senior/Expert level, training should address the following competencies/aligned skills and include the following coursework areas:

Senior/Expert FAC-P/PM Competencies/Aligned Skills
This document lists all the Senior/Expert FAC-P/PM competencies and aligned skills and their definitions.

A minimum of 24 hours of learning in advanced acquisition management that prepares the individual to:

  • Manage a departmental/agency effort;
  • Direct the development of concepts, requirements, and project documents related to the program;
  • Manage the preparation of a program’s acquisition strategy;
  • Maximize the use of performance-based acquisition principles;
  • Manage team activities in appropriate market research and acquisition of commercial items in accordance with FAR Parts 10 and 12;
  • Direct requirements baselining, change processes, and resourcing.

A minimum of 24 hours of instruction in advanced program management to provide skills in:

  • Coordinating an integrated master plan for life-cycle management and support ;
  • Interpreting and overseeing application of department/agency financial policies and directives as it relates to program and resource management;
  • Directing and monitoring risk management processes and making adjustments as necessary;
  • Overseeing a comprehensive test and evaluation program;
  • Examining and implementing innovative, alternative logistics support practices;
  • Ensuring adequate staffing and resources across the program lifecycle.

A minimum of 16 hours of coursework in employing correct and effective leadership and interpersonal skills to include:

  • Delivering effective presentations to senior level audiences through practice and instruction;
  • Building and directing high-powered teams;
  • Creating a culture of development and accountability;
  • Communicating a compelling vision that generates excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment among team members.

A minimum of 24 hours of coursework that is government-specific and prepares the individual to:

  • Work with a warranted contracting officer and develop the overall strategy for managing the acquisition;
  • Participate in pre-award actions required by acquisition planning (FAR Part 7.1)
  • Apply appropriate principles of OMB Circular A-123, Management’s Responsibility for Internal Control;
  • Direct completion of successful Capital Asset Plan (OMB exhibit 300);
  • Employ strategic planning and resource management in the federal environment (budget cycle, paperwork, and congressional considerations);
  • Apply principles of contract and fiscal laws and regulations (anti-deficiency, procurement integrity, and specific purpose statues) as they pertain to development of program funding, contracts, and strategies;
  • Manage program in accordance with the agency’s and OMB’s planning, programming, and budgeting process, as appropriate.

A minimum of 24 hours in EVM and cost estimates that will prepare the individual to:

  • Direct and manage EVM implementation across the program spectrum;
  • Use advance project management skills with extensive EVM capabilities.