Army Programs

EE Army Programs

Army Programs

Since 1999, Darden Executive Education has partnered with the U.S. Army, hosting programs for GS-12/13/14/15 acquisition, contracting, logistics and program management professionals, and for senior officers and civilians.

For complete program details, review the offerings below:

  • Understanding Industry Course

    U.S. Army Understanding Industry Course

    Program Length: 2 Weeks

    Course Purpose

    The purpose of the course is to educate Department of Army contracting, acquisition, logistics, financial management and project management personnel to look through the eyes of industry to understand what drives their behavior. The Army Understanding Industry Course (AUIC) develops and foster understanding of the role of cash flow, profit, risk and contribution margin in industry decisions, and to predict how industry will react to government proposals allowing Army professionals to structure proposals for favorable outcomes to government.

    The AUIC provides delivery of succinct and timely business issues in a comprehensive format similar to current executive-level business seminar training found in the commercial sector.

    The intent of the AUIC is to deliver a concentrated business curriculum to enhance the student's awareness of industry vitality (structure and strategy), financial metrics, corporate culture, decision-making drivers and processes, and collaboration and business management techniques to improve their ability to interact with corporations as the students execute large DoD policies.

    Course Description

    The AUIC design will provide students with education and training in current and cutting-edge business practices sufficient to allow them to recognize business risks and opportunities and to anticipate potential changes in the business world and, ultimately, coordinate and implement anticipatory responses. Given a 2-week time constraint permitted this program, the curriculum will be rigorous and provide students a comprehensive education, which encapsulates core competencies of a full MBA curriculum. In short, it will equip the student with the broad assessment, evaluation and decision-making skills required in American business today. To maximize the academic gain, the intent is that a dedicated learning environment, which preempts outside influences and serves to focus the student on learning similar to seminar or Executive MBA programs offered in the commercial sector, be provided.

    Participation

    The course is for civilians in contracting, acquisition, logistics, financial management and project management:

    • GS-12/13/14/15 (or equivalent pay band) level or higher.
    • Must be Certified Level II.
    • Nominees must have completed three (3) years, or any combination thereof, of service in a permanent Department of the Army civilian position(s) by the HQDA suspense date for the respective session.
    • Must have completed applicable CES Training for current pay band/grade or received waiver from Army Management Staff College: Basic Course (BC) – DL & Residence; Intermediate Course (IC) – DL & Residence

    Continuing Education Credits

    On the final day of the course, participants will receive a custom course certificate and class photo in a portfolio. They will also receive a letter of certification of Certified Educational Units and Certified Professional Education Units (CEUs/CPEs) awarded for attending the course.

    Points of Contact

    Christine E. Rimestad 
    [email protected] 
    +1-703-697-1079

    Jennifer Hicks 
    [email protected]
    +1-434-924-4922

  • Advanced Program in Acquisition Excellence

    U.S. Army Advanced Program in Acquisition Excellence

    Course Length: 6 Days
    Dates Offered: 17–22 March 2024

    Course Description

    This five-day program presents the very latest thinking on acquisition, procurement and program management — the strategic sourcing model. DoD and various government agencies have begun utilizing this model, including the Army, Navy and Air Force; and government agency case histories are used to illustrate how the strategic sourcing model can provide rigor, new insights and outstanding results for acquisition and program management professionals. Participants will become proficient in the use of this model through highly relevant and practical case histories, as well as hands-on application of the model. Defense industry executives will share their perspectives on strategic sourcing and business development work for DoD. As a result of attending this course participants will be able to:

    • Apply the five elements of the strategic sourcing model — profile the category, analyze the supply market, develop category strategies, issue an RFI and negotiate a contract and implement and manage performance.
    • Negotiate business arrangements to provide performance incentives.
    • Structure solicitations in light of DoD and defense industry trends.
    • Write and present a business case for complex program management projects.

    Content includes total cost of ownership; segmentation of the category and supply market; spend analysis using internal sources, consumption model estimates and forecasts; research of the market using public domain and field interviews of suppliers; supplier roundtables to develop effective sourcing strategies; engaging industrial base, customers and suppliers in understanding and developing requirements; value chain mapping and Porter five forces industry analysis model application; use of supply market and sourcing levers; and procurement technology such as reverse auctions and spend-management tools, developing a comprehensive business case and strategic communication to Capitol Hill.

    Participants

    The course is relevant for Army acquisition, contracting, logistics and program professionals who have completed the two-week Darden Commercial Business Environment course, or have equivalent education/work experience.

    Continuing Education Credits

    Four Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and 28 Continuing Professional Education (CPEs) credits are awarded by UVA for program completion. This equates to 40 Continuing Learning Points. The course counts as one of the four weeks required for a Darden Certificate in Management.

    Points of Contact

    Christine E. Rimestad 
    [email protected] 
    +1-703-697-1079

    André D. Batson | Procurement Analyst
    [email protected]
    +1-703-697-1758

    Jennifer Hicks 
    [email protected] 
    +1-434-924-4922

Darden Executive Education is provided by the University of Virginia
Darden School Foundation.