Engineers & Scientists   (Non-Construction) (CP-16)

The Engineers & Scientists (Non-Construction) Career Program is comprised of Army engineers and scientists working in acquisition and acquisition related fields. Effective October 1, 2011, CP16 also includes many engineering and scientist technicians, formerly not included in any career program. Members of the Army CP16 workforce conduct all levels of research, develop equipment for fielding, provide technical support at all phases of the contracting process, and continue to support the Army's equipment throughout the life cycle. Members of the Army CP16 workforce are fully integrated into the mission of the US Army and assist their military counterparts with engineering and scientific activities on a daily basis.

Tomorrow's technological superiority will emerge from today's investment in the continued advancement of technology. Rapid changing technologies confronting the CP16 community demand continuous efforts to keep abreast of the state-of-the-art advances in research and development.

The Competitive Professional Development (CPD) opportunities within the Engineers & Scientists (Non-Construction) career program are available to non-intern members (whose positions have been documented as journeyman-level) of the CP16 workforce. Opportunities include: Accredited Engineer & Scientist Certificate Programs; Career Enhancing Developmental Assignments; Training With Industry (TWI); Short-term Training Assignments/Courses; and Academic Degree Training (ADT)

Additional information relating to the Army E& S (NC) Career Program 16 can be found at http://www.rdecom.army.mil/DACP16/

The DA E&S (NC) Career Program closely abides by AR 690-400, Subchapter 410, paragraph 10-5. The long-range planning for both the activities' missions, the post utilization plan, and individual development plans of employees are considered. Requested training must clearly benefit the mission and functions of the Army.

Selection of employees for training will be made without regard to political preference, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Applicants will be rated against the following factors:

• Supervisor's Assessment of Need for Training
• Post Utilization Plan
• Prior Participation in ACTEDS and/or Command Sponsored Training Opportunities
• Program Cost
• Proximity of training to Permanent Duty Station (n/a for distance learning programs)
• MACOM/Activity Endorsement
• Advanced Degrees
• Functional (CPM) Assessment of Need
• Performance Appraisals
• Employee's Motivation for Attendance
• Relevance of Training Program to Mission of the Army
• Completion of Required Training (Acquisition Certification, CES, Etc)
• Anticipated return on the training investment

All applicants MUST provide proof of completion of the appropriate Civilian Education System (CES) courses or equivalency completion for their positions. Certificates from non-CES leadership development programs will not be acceptable unless accompanied by certification of equivalency from CES.

Effective 1 October 2011, all applicants serving in positions requiring Acquisition Certification (regardless of acquisition classification), MUST provide a current copy of their Acquisition Career Record Brief (ACRB) and proof of certification. This does not apply to members of the CP16 workforce who are not currently serving in acquisition positions.

Funding for each type of training is determined on a fiscal year basis as available. While in training, the applicant's command/activity/laboratory will continue paying all costs for salary and personal benefits. Commands will not be reimbursed for salaries and personal benefits for training participants. Costs for authorized travel, per diem, and tuition will be covered by available ACTEDS resources, and in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR). OCONUS and Local Travel will not be reimbursed from ACTEDS resources. The cost of books will be the responsibility of the student for individual Academic Degree Training Programs unless the University/School provides and invoices the books with the tuition charge.

All applications for Competitive Professional Development Training Programs are due to the Career Program-16 office on a quarterly basis by the dates shown below. These deadlines are required to ensure all submissions meet the ASA (M&RA) input suspense dates. Check with your local civilian personnel advisory centers and/or CP-16 Activity Career Program Manager (ACPM) for internal deadlines.

The submission deadlines for non-ADT CPD are as follows:

1. Sep 12, 2012 for training during 2nd QTR (Jan - Mar 2013)
2. Dec 12, 2012 for training during 3rd QTR (Apr - Jun 2013)
3. Mar 12, 2013 for training during 4th QTR (Jul - Sep 2013)
4. Jun 12, 2013 for training during 1st QTR FY13 (Oct - Dec 2013)

The submission deadlines for ADT program applications is as follows:

1. Jan 14, 2013 (Fall Semester start)

Coursework or degree programs can be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level. Until further notice, new applications for doctoral degree programs (or coursework relating to doctoral degree programs) will not be approved. Careerists can apply for either full-time or part-time ADT. CP-16 has limited resources and seeks to fund training for the maximum number of highly qualified nominees whose advanced education will have the greatest return on investment (ROI) to the Army. For this reason CP-16 will give priority to part-time programs, normally on non-duty hours. Priority for university training will be determined by the relationship of the course or program to the careerist's current or future work assignment as evaluated through the employee's application package. Programs resulting in Masters or Bachelors of Arts degrees will not be approved. In addition to programs in technical areas, ADT may include Graduate programs designed to enhance the managerial and leadership skills of experienced professionals.

Curriculum must be directly related to the Careerist's current and/or future positions within the Army. Job-relatedness is not an acceptable justification for training approval.

Training should be at a college/university within the applicant's commuting area or via distance learning. University training outside the commuting area must be accompanied with strong supporting justification, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Participation in an educational curriculum not offered at a local university must be required by the position duties; and the post-utilization plan must address how the newly acquired skills, knowledge, and abilities will be beneficial to Army and how they will be used upon the employee's return to duty. Only training at institutions regionally accredited in the desired degree will be approved.

Students approved for full-time training are required to take a minimum full-time course load as defined by their university. Education programs accomplished through combined work-study that involve part-time or reduced work schedules will also be considered. Reduced work schedules are established and approved locally, but must provide for the needs of the approved training program. Application requirements are detailed in the ADT checklist (see button below). All Courses must be approved prior to attendance.

Careerists are required to maintain a "B" average (graduate level courses). Failure to maintain this grade point average may result in removal from the course of study. Careerists are required to send a grade report after each semester/quarter to the CP16 Proponency Office. The Government's interests must be protected when an employee fails to complete training for which DA pays all or part of the training expenses. All applicants are required to submit a Continuation of Service Agreement

NOTE: All Academic Degree Training Packets must be approved by the ASA (M&RA) prior to ACTEDS funding utilization for coursework. The process could take up to 120 days from the time the Careerist is recommended for training by the FCR.

CP-16 Careerists have the opportunity to take coursework directly relating to their position when it is a significant benefit to the individual and the organization. This opportunity for training is intended to broaden the careerists' experience, knowledge and perspective in management and operational techniques. This training is primarily university training that will not result in a degree.

Forms Required: Supervisory and Command Endorsements, Army-Sponsored Training Application Form, Request for Central Resource Support form, Agreement to Continue in Service, letter of acceptance from the university, CES and required Certification completion as detailed above, Individual Development Plan, and SF 181, RNO information.

Careerists are required to send a grade report or course completion certificate showing successful course completion to the CP16 Proponency Office within 15 days of course completion.

Developmental assignments provide careerists with a competency-based approach for developing and/or broadening careerist competencies; to include operational techniques that provide a global and enterprise approach for positions of significantly higher responsibility. These assignments are at Army, Joint and various DoD activities. Developmental assignments may include lateral movement to positions where careerists gain additional technical, management, professional skills, knowledge, and abilities to enhance performance and effectiveness. The length of the assignment should be at least three (3) months but not more than one year as funding permits. Locations will vary.

This training program must be uniquely designed and individually tailored to offer trainees direct private industry experience that should improve the effectiveness of the trainees in their working relationships with counterparts in private industry. The activity career program manager should assist the employee in identifying private industries for suitable assignments. Selection is made based on approval of commander or designated representative, CP-16 Activity Career Program Manager (ACPM), and Functional Chief Representative (FCR).

• The length of the assignment should be at least three (3) months but not more than one year as funding permits. Locations will vary.
• The TWI participants will be accountable for the results achieved. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the applicant's command and the company providing the training will be completed.
• This MOU will describe what work the trainee will perform and how he/she will be evaluated. The MOU will also include a statement that explains that salary and benefits are paid by the employee's home office with per diem and TDY paid by the FCR.
• The MOU will be provided to the FCR.

Short-term Training will be supported when the training provides a significant benefit to the individual and the organization. Short term training is 30 calendar days or less is intended to broaden careerists' experience, knowledge and perspective in management and operational techniques. A variety of training is included in this category, such as Leadership, Management, National Policy, Project Planning and Control Techniques, and Production and Quality Management. Advanced technical short courses, participation in technical conferences, and other specialized training will be supported as funds permit.

Forms Required: Supervisory and Command Endorsements, Army-Sponsored Training Application Form, Request for Central Resource Support form, CES completion as detailed above, and SF 181, RNO information.

Short-term Training applications for multiple individuals (Group Training) will be supported when the training provides a significant benefit to the organization and multiple personnel within the CP16 Career Program. Examples of group training events can include: technical, scientific, competency enhancing, and other topics intended to broaden careerists' experience.

Forms Required: Memorandum Requesting Group Training from Requesting Activity Career Program Manager, Training Quote, Training Summary including: Proposed timeframe of training event, Proposed class roster, course location, maximum number of students, and course location.

CP16 Careerists GS-11 (or equivalent) & above grade level who have career status and are in a permanent competitive appointment are eligible to apply unless a higher grade is listed in the training program announcement. GS-09 (non-interns) may apply on a grade waiver basis with their management's written request. Grade waivers should be coordinated through the CP16 Proponency Office prior to submission of applications for any program. Interns are not eligible for ACTEDS funded training. Waivers will not be granted for interns regardless of grade level. All opportunities are competitive and applicants must have three (3) years of permanent, full time employment as a DA civilian at the time of application.

Career Program-16 individuals awarded ACTEDS funds must provide completed copies of the SF 182, grade reports or other evidence of successful completion of training for each funded course. Individuals will be responsible for maintaining records of all funds received for ACTEDS training.

The ACTEDS Application Package forms must be used for all ACTEDS University training, TWI and Developmental Assignment requests. The ACTEDS Application Package will be submitted through the command channels, i.e., immediate supervisor, second level supervisor, and endorsed by the local commanders or directors and Activity Career Program Manager. The ACPM will forward the ACTEDS Application Package with a transmittal letter to the point of contact indicated below by the suspense date indicated in this training catalog. Applications may be submitted via email, fax or postal service.

Requests for short-term training assignments can be forwarded via email to mary.j.hubbard.civ@mail.mil or fax a request to (410) 612-5017, ATTN: CP16 Program Manager, to determine availability and/or obtain registration procedures. Requests for training must be submitted through command channels and be received and approved by the CP16 FCR. Requests should be received not later than 60 days prior to the start of the course for which you are applying. You will be notified via email if your request is approved or disapproved. Upon initial approval of attendance and securing a seat in a class, careerists must complete a SF 182 in the Resource Allocation and Selection System (RASS) to get authorization paperwork to attend a class. Refer to: https://rass.army.mil/.

CP-16 Proponency Office
U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command
ATTN: AMSRD-HRP (CP16), Room 202
3072 Aberdeen Blvd.
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005

The Civilian Education System (CES) is the foundation of the Army's leader development program for all Army Civilians, providing progressive and sequential education courses throughout their careers. CES is centrally funded by HQDA G-37/Training Directorate for most permanent Army Civilians, including but not limited to general schedule (GS), non-appropriated fund (NAF), local national (LN) and wage grade (WG) employees. CES leadership courses, or designated equivalent courses, are required for all Army Civilians. Employees should include attendance at the CES course for which they are eligible in their Individual Development Plans (IDP).

Employees are eligible to attend the CES course that is targeted at their grade level. GS-01 through GS-09 employees are eligible to attend the CES Basic Course; GS-10 through GS-12 employees are eligible to attend the CES Intermediate Course; and GS-13 through GS-15 employees are eligible to attend the CES Advanced Course. NOTE: All Army Civilians who were hired after 30 September 2006 are required to take the Foundation Course prior to enrolling in either of the CES courses.

More information on CES courses, as well as instructions on how to enroll can be found on the Civilian Training and Leader Development website at http://www.t3ac.army.mil/Pages/Homepage.aspx

• Academic Degree Training (ADT) Checklist - Employees requesting DA ACTEDS funds to obtain an academic degree (training or education with the stated objective of getting an academic degree) must provide the information found in the "ADT Checklist" below.
• Career Program ACTEDS Plans - Information about career management training, education, and development is provided in the individual ACTEDS plans. Individual plans may be found using the ACTEDS link below.
• Course Checklist - Employees requesting ACTEDS funds for training-with-industry programs, developmental assignments, short-term training opportunities (120 days for less) and non-academic degree programs must provide the information found in the "Course Checklist" below.