BUS 319 Assignments

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BUS 319 – Student Notes

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Examines the federal procurement process and introduces concepts, policies, and procedures associated with government contracting. Discusses the programming, planning, and justification of program funding, formulation and earmarking procurement requirements, preparation of work statements and specifications, procurement requests, and acquisition planning.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Required Resources

Adams, Clark G. (2014). Federal Acquisition and Contract Management (8th ed). Covina, CA: AGU Press.

Supplemental Resources

Abegg, A. (2013). The legitimacy of the contracting state. Law & Contemporary Problems, 76(2), 139-150.

Bernstein, A. J. (2013). Price realism analysis in fixed-price contracting: Improving the evaluation process. Public Contract Law Journal, 42(4), 793-825.

Cullen, A. M. (2012). The small business set-aside program: Where achievement means consistently failing to meet small business contracting goals. Public Contract Law Journal, 41(3), 703-720.

Hawkins, T. G., & Muir, W. A. (2014). An exploration of knowledge-based factors affecting procurement compliance. Journal of Public Procurement, 14(1), 1-32.

Holmes, T. E. (2012) Winning government bids. Black Enterprise, 42(11), 42-44.

Kahler, L. (2013). Contract management duties as a new regulatory device. Law & Contemporary Problems, 76(2), 89-103.

Klein, K. E. (2012). Getting started in government contracting. Business Week. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-07-24/getting-started-in-government-contracting

Levenson, W. J. (2014). DoD acquisition-To compete or not compete: The placebo of competition. Defense Acquisition Research Journal, 21(1), 415-440.

Lusby, K. M. (2013). Improving the effectiveness of state bid protest forums: Going above and beyond the agreement on government procurement and adopting the ABA’s model procurement code. Public Contract Law Journal, 43(1), 57-85.

Maser, S., & Thompson, F. (2013). Dispelling fear and loathing in government acquisition: A proposal for cultivational governance in DOD source selections. Journal of Public Procurement, 13(3), 289-314.

Thomson, R. (2012). The government and innovation in the United States: insights from major innovators. Business and Economic History On-line. Vol. 10. Paper presented at the BHC Annual Meeting. Business History Conference, Wilmington, DE. Retrieved from http://www.thebhc.org/publications/BEHonline/2012/thomson.pdf

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Describe the nature of government contracting, including authority, responsibilities, and legal considerations.

2. Explain the government acquisition process using sealed bidding, negotiations, and alternative contracting methods.

3. Interpret the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to determine requirements and resolve issues.

4. Describe the various types of contracts and considerations for their use.

5. Outline and explain the process for developing competitive proposals and source selection.

6. Explain the process for administering and evaluating contract performance.

7. Explain the various mechanisms for contract closeout.

8. Use technology and information resources to research issues in federal acquisition and contract management.

9. Write clearly and concisely about federal acquisition and contract management using proper writing mechanics.

WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE

The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery mode.

Week

Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation

Points

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 1: Contracting Fundamentals

· Chapter 2: Electronic Contracting

· e-Activity

· Review the basic components of “Subpart 3.10 - Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct”, located at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/pdf/FAR.pdf. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Introduction Discussion

· Discussions

Evaluation

· None

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 3: The Acquisition Process

· e-Activity

· Watch the video titled, “How to Get Government Contracts: Government Procurement Exposed” (1 min 57 sec). Be prepared to discuss.

Video Source: TheHeadexposed (2011, July 19) How to Get

Government Contracts: Government Procurement Exposed

[Video file]. Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5EeMFB7ixg.

This video can be viewed from within your online course shell.

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· None

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 4: Contracting Methods

· Chapter 5: Contract Types

· e-Activity

· Review the list of types of government contracts, located at http://www.wingovernmentcontracts.com/types-of-government-contracts.htm. Focus on the components of the incentive contracts. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· Assignment 1: Small-Business Opportunities with the Navy

150

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 6: Developing Competitive Proposals

· Chapter 7: Source Selection Process

· e-Activity

· Review the article titled “Ten Commandments Government Bid Proposal Writing,” located at http://blog.theodorewatson.com/ten-commandments-government-bid-proposal-writing/. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· Assignment 2: Bidding on a Contract with the Navy

150

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 8: Managing Contract Risk

· Chapter 9: Total Ownership Costs

· e-Activity

· Using the Internet or the Strayer Library, research one (1) industrial or commercial services company that has used risk assessment methods and / or risk assessment matrixes in the process of obtaining a government contract. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· None

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 10: Contract Cost and Profit Principles

· Chapter 11: Contract Documentation

· e-Activity

· Go to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Cost Accounting Standard Board’s Website, located at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/procurement_casb, and review the sections of the ‘Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Board Members’ and the ‘CAS Board Meeting Minutes’ for the 70th Meeting (dated October 5, 2011). Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· Assignment 3: Acquiring a Contract with the Navy

300

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 12: Fundamentals of Negotiation

· e-Activity

· Read the article titled “Ten Rules for Bargaining Success”, located at http://contractingacademy.gatech.edu/2011/02/con-120-lession-6-negotiation-rules-bargaining-process/. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· None

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 13: Contract Performance

· e-Activity

· Read the article titled “Contract Responsibilities”, located at http://www.sba.gov/content/contract-responsibilities, and take notes of the “Recommendations and Advice for Your New Contract.” Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· Assignment 4: Negotiating a Contract with the Navy

150

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 14: Data, Patents, and Copyrights

· e-Activity

· Watch the video titled, “Ben Swann Truth in Media: NSA Using Copyright Claims to Stop Criticism?” (7 min 13 sec). Be prepared to discuss.

Video Source: Ben Swann Reality Check (2013, August 20).

Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKBmhd_pFlE.

This video can be viewed from within your online course shell.

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· None

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 15: Contract Termination and Closeout

· Chapter 16: Contractual Challenges

· e-Activity

· Watch the video titled “U.S. govt contracts awarded to companies with ties to Islamic terror groups” (2 min 48 sec). Be prepared to discuss. Video Source: creepingsharia.wordpress.com (2013, November 23). Retrieved from http://creepingsharia.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/us-govt-contracts-awarded-to-companies-with-ties-to-islamic-terror-groups-video/. This video can be viewed from within your online course shell.

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· Assignment 5: Contract Cost and Documentation for the Navy

300

Preparation

· Reading(s): None

Activities

· Discussions

Evaluation

· None

GRADING SCALE – UNDERGRADUATE

Assignment	Total Points	% of Grade
Assignment 1: Small-Business Opportunities with the Navy	150	12%
Assignment 2: Bidding on a Contract with the Navy	150	12%
Assignment 3: Acquiring a Contract with the Navy	300	23%
Assignment 4: Negotiating a Contract with the Navy	150	12%
Assignment 5: Contract Cost and Documentation for the Navy	300	23%
Participation (12 discussions worth 20 points apiece)	240	18%
Totals	1,290	100%

Points	Percentage	Grade
1,161 – 1,290	90% – 100%	A
1,032 – 1,160	80% – 89%	B
903 – 1,031	70% – 79%	C
774 – 902	60% – 69%	D
Below 774	Below 60%	F

BUS 319 – Principles of Federal Acquisition and Contract Management

© 2015 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

BUS 319 Student Guide1156 (05/15/2015) Page 7 of 25

Assignment 1: Small-Business Opportunities with the Navy

Due Week 3 and worth 150 points

Imagine that you are the owner of a small floor refinishing business that provides a specialty coating product for ceramic tile and marble floors. There is no other local flooring business that provides this service. Having recently received a patent on your product, you are ready to expand your business by competing for Navy contracts at the local base, which is located a few miles away. The service you want to sell is the specialty coating, the application of the coating, and a regular maintenance schedule. Your company consists of you, one office assistant, and two production employees.

Note: You will be referencing this business throughout all five assignments for this course. Please use “First Name, Last Name, Inc.” as the name of your company throughout these assignments.

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:

1. Develop your company’s acquisition and planning strategy for obtaining a contract.

2. Analyze the manner in which utilizing SmartPay or a similar program in electronic contracting will assist your company and the Navy. Provide a rationale for your response.

3. Use at least three (3) quality references Note: Wikipedia and other related websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

· Describe the nature of government contracting, including authority, responsibilities, and legal considerations.

· Explain the government acquisition process using sealed bidding, negotiations, and alternative contracting methods.

· Use technology and information resources to research issues in federal acquisition and contract management.

· Write clearly and concisely about federal acquisition and contract management using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 150	Assignment 1: Small-Business Opportunities with the Navy
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 60% F	Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Develop your company’s acquisition and planning strategy for obtaining a contract. Weight: 40%	Did not submit or incompletely developed your company’s acquisition and planning strategy for obtaining a contract.	Insufficiently developed your company’s acquisition and planning strategy for obtaining a contract.	Partially developed your company’s acquisition and planning strategy for obtaining a contract.	Satisfactorily developed your company’s acquisition and planning strategy for obtaining a contract.	Thoroughly developed your company’s acquisition and planning strategy for obtaining a contract.
2. Analyze the manner in which utilizing SmartPay or a similar program in electronic contracting will assist your company and the Navy. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 35%	Did not submit or incompletely analyzed the manner in which utilizing SmartPay or a similar program in electronic contracting will assist your company and the Navy. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently analyzed the manner in which utilizing SmartPay or a similar program in electronic contracting will assist your company and the Navy. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially analyzed the manner in which utilizing SmartPay or a similar program in electronic contracting will assist your company and the Navy. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily analyzed the manner in which utilizing SmartPay or a similar program in electronic contracting will assist your company and the Navy. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly analyzed the manner in which utilizing SmartPay or a similar program in electronic contracting will assist your company and the Navy. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
3. 3 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices.	Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
4. Writing Mechanics, Grammar, and Formatting Weight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
5. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and reference section. Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA format.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
6. Information Literacy/Integration of Sources Weight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
7. Clarity and Coherence of Writing Weight: 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is somewhat confusing with not enough reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Assignment 2: Bidding on a Contract with the Navy

Due Week 4 and worth 150 points

Based on the same scenario as in Assignment 1, imagine that you have received a Request for Proposal (RFP) #123456789, dated 07/14/2014. You also find out through a reliable source that a local competitor has also received an RFP for a similar type of product and service. Due to this, you will be required to negotiate the contract, and will need to consider the contract specifics.

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:

1. Suggest three (3) ways in which the basic concepts of the FAR Policy would mutually benefit your small business and the Navy.

2. Determine the method that you will use for solicitation of a bid. Next, explain why the Navy is likely to choose your company in the sealed-bidding process.

3. Use at least three (3) quality references Note: Wikipedia and other related websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

· Interpret the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to determine requirements and resolve issues.

· Explain the government acquisition process using sealed bidding, negotiations, and alternative contracting methods.

· Describe the various types of contracts and considerations for their use.

· Outline and explain the process for developing competitive proposals and source selection.

· Use technology and information resources to research issues in federal acquisition and contract management.

· Write clearly and concisely about federal acquisition and contract management using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 150	Assignment 2: Bidding on a Contract with the Navy
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 60% F	Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Suggest three (3) ways in which the basic concepts of the FAR Policy would mutually benefit your small business and the Navy. Weight: 35%	Did not submit or incompletely suggested ways in which the basic concepts of the FAR Policy would mutually benefit your small business and the Navy.	Insufficiently suggested ways in which the basic concepts of the FAR Policy would mutually benefit your small business and the Navy.	Partially suggested ways in which the basic concepts of the FAR Policy would mutually benefit your small business and the Navy.	Satisfactorily suggested three (3) ways in which the basic concepts of the FAR Policy would mutually benefit your small business and the Navy.	Thoroughly suggested three (3) ways in which the basic concepts of the FAR Policy would mutually benefit your small business and the Navy.
2. Determine the method that you will use for solicitation of a bid. Next, explain why the Navy is likely to choose your company in the sealed-bidding process. Weight: 40%	Did not submit or incompletely determined the method that you will use for solicitation of a bid and did not submit or incompletely explained why the Navy is likely to choose your company in the sealed-bidding process.	Insufficiently determined the method that you will use for solicitation of a bid and insufficiently explained why the Navy is likely to choose your company in the sealed-bidding process.	Partially determined the method that you will use for solicitation of a bid and partially explained why the Navy is likely to choose your company in the sealed-bidding process.	Satisfactorily determined the method that you will use for solicitation of a bid and satisfactorily explained why the Navy is likely to choose your company in the sealed-bidding process.	Thoroughly determined the method that you will use for solicitation of a bid and thoroughly explained why the Navy is likely to choose your company in the sealed-bidding process.
3. 3 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices.	Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
4. Writing mechanics, grammar, and formatting Weight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
5. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and reference section Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA format.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
6. Information literacy / Integration of sources Weight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
7. Clarity and coherence of writing 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is somewhat confusing with not enough reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Assignment 3: Acquiring a Contract with the Navy

Due Week 6 and worth 300 points

Based on the same scenario as in Assignments 1 and 2, you are ready to begin considering the factors needed for your proposal based on RFP #123456789, dated 07/14/2014. Remember that another local competitor intends to submit a proposal as well.

Before beginning this assignment, review FAR Subpart 19.5—Set-Asides for Small Business, located at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/html/Subpart%2019_5.html

Additional factors to consider are:

1. Both your company and your competitor’s company will qualify under the HUBZone Act (FAR 19.5).

2. Based upon the scope of work required, your initial estimates for the contract will exceed $150,000. Therefore, you are willing to offer incentives to the Navy.

3. Your competitor intends to submit a proposal for a one (1) year contract.

Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:

1. Examine two (2) reasons why your business would qualify under the basic concepts of the HUBZone Set-Aside Procedures. Provide a rationale for your response.

2. Analyze the primary way(s) in which a multiyear contract would benefit both the Navy and your business.

3. Determine whether your bid proposal should be based on a fixed-price, a cost-reimbursement, or a time-and-materials type of contract. Provide a rationale for your response.

4. Determine the category of incentives that you are willing to offer (i.e., cost, schedule, or performance). Provide a rationale for your response.

5. Determine whether your bid proposal should be a technical, management, or cost proposal. Provide a rationale for your response.

6. Speculate on five (5) potential risk factors that you will need to consider if your company is awarded the contract. Provide a rationale for your response.

7. Use at least three (3) quality references Note: Wikipedia and other related websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

· Interpret the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as it relates to small-business programs.

· Describe the various types of contracts and considerations for their use.

· Outline and explain the process for developing competitive proposals and source selection.

· Use technology and information resources to research issues in federal acquisition and contract management.

· Write clearly and concisely about federal acquisition and contract management using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 300	Assignment 3: Acquiring a Contract with the Navy
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 60% F	Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Examine two (2) reasons why your business would qualify under the basic concepts of the HUBZone Set- Aside Procedures. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 5%	Did not submit or incompletely examined reasons why your business would qualify under the basic concepts of the HUBZone Set-Aside Procedures. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently examined reasons why your business would qualify under the basic concepts of the HUBZone Set-Aside Procedures. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially examined reasons why your business would qualify under the basic concepts of the HUBZone Set-Aside Procedures. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily examined two (2) reasons why your business would qualify under the basic concepts of the HUBZone Set-Aside Procedures. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly examined two (2) reasons why your business would qualify under the basic concepts of the HUBZone Set-Aside Procedures. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
2. Analyze the primary way(s) in which a multi-year contract would benefit both the Navy and your business. Weight: 10%	Did not submit or incompletely analyzed the primary way(s) in which a multi-year contract would benefit both the Navy and your business.	Insufficiently analyzed the primary way(s) in which a multiyear contract would benefit both the Navy and your business.	Partially analyzed the primary way(s) in which a multiyear contract would benefit both the Navy and your business.	Satisfactorily analyzed the primary way(s) in which a multiyear contract would benefit both the Navy and your business.	Thoroughly analyzed the primary way(s) in which a multiyear contract would benefit both the Navy and your business.
3. Determine whether your bid proposal should be based on a fixed-price, a cost-reimbursement, or a time-and-materials type of contract. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely determined whether your bid proposal should be based on a fixed-price, a cost-reimbursement, or a time-and-materials type of contract. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined whether your bid proposal should be based on a fixed-price, a cost-reimbursement, or a time-and-materials type of contract. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined whether your bid proposal should be based on a fixed-price, a cost-reimbursement, or a time-and-materials type of contract. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined whether your bid proposal should be based on a fixed-price, a cost-reimbursement, or a time-and-materials type of contract. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined whether your bid proposal should be based on a fixed-price, a cost-reimbursement, or a time-and-materials type of contract. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
4. Determine the category of incentives that you are willing to offer (i.e., cost, schedule, or performance). Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely determined the category of incentives that you are willing to offer (i.e., cost, schedule, or performance). Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined the category of incentives that you are willing to offer (i.e., cost, schedule, or performance). Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined the category of incentives that you are willing to offer (i.e., cost, schedule, or performance). Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined the category of incentives that you are willing to offer (i.e., cost, schedule, or performance). Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined the category of incentives that you are willing to offer (i.e., cost, schedule, or performance). Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
5. Determine whether your bid proposal should be a technical, management, or cost proposal. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely determined whether your bid proposal should be a technical, management, or cost proposal. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined whether your bid proposal should be a technical, management, or cost proposal. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined whether your bid proposal should be a technical, management, or cost proposal. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined whether your bid proposal should be a technical, management, or cost proposal. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined whether your bid proposal should be a technical, management, or cost proposal. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
6. Speculate on five (5) potential risk factors that you will need to consider if your company is awarded the contract. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely speculated on five (5) potential risk factors that you will need to consider if your company is awarded the contract. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently speculated on five (5) potential risk factors that you will need to consider if your company is awarded the contract. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially speculated on five (5) potential risk factors that you will need to consider if your company is awarded the contract. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily speculated on five (5) potential risk factors that you will need to consider if your company is awarded the contract. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly speculated on five (5) potential risk factors that you will need to consider if your company is awarded the contract. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
7. 3 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices.	Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
8. Writing mechanics, grammar, and formatting. Weight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
9. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and reference section. Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA format.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
10. Information literacy / Integration of sources Weight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
11. Clarity and coherence of writing Weight: 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is somewhat confusing with not enough reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Assignment 4: Negotiating a Contract with the Navy

Due Week 8 and worth 150 points

Based on the same scenario as in Assignments 1, 2, and 3, you are now considering additional factors needed for your proposal based on RFP #123456789, dated 07/14/2014, where another local competitor intends to submit a proposal.

Additional factors to consider are:

1. Although you have always built in a profit margin of ten percent (10%) for commercial flooring jobs, you are willing to consider a lesser profit margin in this case in order to win the contract.

2. The Navy’s Contract Administration Officer is known to be a smart, tough negotiator.

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:

1. Determine two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Provide a rationale for your response.

2. Determine two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Provide a rationale for your response.

3. Use at least three (3) quality references Note: Wikipedia and other related websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

· Explain the government acquisition process using sealed bidding, negotiations, and alternative contracting methods.

· Outline and explain the process for developing competitive proposals and source selection.

· Use technology and information resources to research issues in federal acquisition and contract management.

· Write clearly and concisely about federal acquisition and contract management using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 150	Assignment 4: Negotiating a Contract with the Navy
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 60% F	Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Determine two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 35%	Did not submit or incompletely determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
2. Determine two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 40%	Did not submit or incompletely determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Partly provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
3. 3 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices.	Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
4. Writing mechanics, grammar, and formatting Weight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
5. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and reference section Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA format.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
6. Information literacy / integration of sources Weight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
7. Clarity and coherence of writing Weight: 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is somewhat confusing with not enough reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Assignment 5: Contract Cost and Documentation for the Navy

Due Week 10 and worth 300 points

Based on the same scenario as in Assignments 1, 2, 3 and 4, you are now considering the final factors needed for your proposal based on RFP #123456789, dated 07/14/2014.

Additional factors to consider are:

1. The other local competitor has removed their name from consideration and has requested to become your company’s sub-contractor due to your company’s patent on the specialty coating.

2. Your existing floor equipment is dated. However, you have learned that the Navy base has floor equipment which is not currently being used.

Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:

1. Determine the payment type (i.e., receiving progress payments, performance-based payments, or partial payments) you will use in your bid. Provide a rationale for your response.

2. Determine the approach and the key terms that you would consider in requesting the use of the Navy’s floor equipment. Provide a rationale for your response.

3. Propose the quality control and inspection procedures that you believe should be included in your proposal. Provide a rationale for your response.

4. Determine, because of your company’s private patent on the specialty floor coating, whether the Navy would or would not have a patent infringement objection for the use of the coating. Provide a rationale for your response.

5. Determine the mechanism for contract closeout your company would use with the Navy. Provide a rationale for your response.

6. Use at least three (3) quality references Note: Wikipedia and other related websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

· Describe the nature of government contracting, including authority, responsibilities, and legal considerations.

· Outline and explain the process for developing competitive proposals and source selection.

· Explain the process for administering and evaluating contract performance.

· Explain the various mechanisms for contract closeout.

· Use technology and information resources to research issues in federal acquisition and contract management.

· Write clearly and concisely about federal acquisition and contract management using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 300	Assignment 5: Contract Cost and Documentation for the Navy
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 60% F	Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Determine the payment type (i.e., receiving progress payments, performance-based payments, or partial payments) you will use in your bid. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely determined the payment type (i.e., receiving progress payments, performance-based payments, or partial payments) you will use in your bid. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined the payment type (i.e., receiving progress payments, performance-based payments, or partial payments) you will use in your bid. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined the payment type (i.e., receiving progress payments, performance-based payments, or partial payments) you will use in your bid. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined the payment type (i.e., receiving progress payments, performance-based payments, or partial payments) you will use in your bid. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined the payment type (i.e., receiving progress payments, performance-based payments, or partial payments) you will use in your bid. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
2. Determine the approach and the key terms that you would consider in requesting the use of the Navy’s floor equipment. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 10%	Did not submit or incompletely determined the approach and the key terms that you would consider in requesting the use of the Navy’s floor equipment. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined the approach and the key terms that you would consider in requesting the use of the Navy’s floor equipment. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined the approach and the key terms that you would consider in requesting the use of the Navy’s floor equipment. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined the approach and the key terms that you would consider in requesting the use of the Navy’s floor equipment. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined the approach and the key terms that you would consider in requesting the use of the Navy’s floor equipment. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
3. Propose the quality control and inspection procedures that you believe should be included in your proposal. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely proposed the quality control and inspection procedures that you believe should be included in your proposal. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently proposed the quality control and inspection procedures that you believe should be included in your proposal. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially proposed the quality control and inspection procedures that you believe should be included in your proposal. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily proposed the quality control and inspection procedures that you believe should be included in your proposal. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly proposed the quality control and inspection procedures that you believe should be included in your proposal. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
4. Determine, because of your company’s private patent on the specialty floor coating, whether the Navy would or would not have a patent infringement objection for the use of the coating. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely determined, because of your company’s private patent on the specialty floor coating, whether the Navy would or would not have a patent infringement objection for the use of the coating. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined, because of your company’s private patent on the specialty floor coating, whether the Navy would or would not have a patent infringement objection for the use of the coating. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined, because of your company’s private patent on the specialty floor coating, whether the Navy would or would not have a patent infringement objection for the use of the coating. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined, because of your company’s private patent on the specialty floor coating, whether the Navy would or would not have a patent infringement objection for the use of the coating. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined, because of your company’s private patent on the specialty floor coating, whether the Navy would or would not have a patent infringement objection for the use of the coating. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
5. Determine the mechanism for contract closeout your company would use with the Navy. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely determined the mechanism for contract closeout your company would use with the Navy. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined the mechanism for contract closeout your company would use with the Navy. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined the mechanism for contract closeout your company would use with the Navy. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined the mechanism for contract closeout your company would use with the Navy. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined the mechanism for contract closeout your company would use with the Navy. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
6. 3 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices.	Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
7. Writing Mechanics, Grammar, and Formatting Weight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
8. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and reference section (if applicable, might not apply to some 100 level courses such as ACC100) Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA format.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
9. Information Literacy/Integration of Sources Weight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
10. Clarity and Coherence of Writing Weight: 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is somewhat confusing with not enough reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

BUS 319 – Assignments and Rubrics

Weekly Course Schedule

The purpose of the course schedule is to give you, at a glance, the required preparation, activities, and evaluation components of your course. For more information about your course, whether on-ground or online, access your online course shell.

The expectations for a 4.5 credit hour course are for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This time estimate includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of the delivery mode.

Instructional Materials

In order to be fully prepared, obtain a copy of the required textbooks and other instructional materials prior to the first day of class. When available, Strayer University provides a link to the first three (3) chapters of your textbook(s) in eBook format. Check your online course shell for availability.

Review the online course shell or check with your professor to determine whether Internet-based assignments and activities are used in this course.

Strayer students are encouraged to purchase their course materials through the Strayer Bookstore. http://www.strayerbookstore.com. If a lab is required for the course, the Strayer Bookstore is the only vendor that sells the correct registration code so that Strayer students may access labs successfully.

Discussions

To earn full credit in an online threaded discussion, students must have one original post and a minimum of one other post per discussion thread.

Please note: Material in the online class will be made available three weeks at a time to allow students to work ahead, however, faculty will be focused on and responding only to the current calendar week. As it is always possible that students could lose their work due to unforeseen circumstances, it is a best practice to routinely save a working draft in a separate file before posting in the course discussion area. Professors hold discussions during class time for on-ground students. Check with your professor if any additional discussion participation is required in the online course shell outside of class hours.

Assignments

A standardized performance grading rubric is a tool your professor will use to evaluate your written assignments. Review the rubric before submitting assignments that have grading rubrics associated with them to ensure you have met the performance criteria stated on the rubric.

Grades are based on individual effort. There is no group grading; however, working in groups in the online or on-ground classroom is acceptable.

Assignments for online students are always submitted through the online course shell. On-ground professors will inform students on how to submit assignments, whether in paper format or through the online course shell.

Resources

The Resource Center navigation button in the online course shell contains helpful links. Strayer University Library Resources are available here as well as other important information. You should review this area to find resources and answers to common questions.

Technical support is available for the following:

· For technical questions, please contact Strayer Online Technical Support by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under “Student Center,” then “Submit Help Ticket.” If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact Technical Support via phone at (877) 642-2999.

· For concerns with your class, please access the Solution Center by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under “Student Center,” then “Submit Help Ticket.” If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact the IT Help Desk at (866) 610-8123 or at mailto:[email protected].

TurnItIn.com is an optional online tool to assess the originality of student written work. Check with your professor for access and use instructions.

The Strayer Policies link on the navigation bar in the online course shell contains academic policies. It is important that students be aware of these policies.