1

Program Management

Workforce Development

Proposals

2021 DAU-S Acquisition Update

February 17, 2021

Pre-Decisional

2

Agenda

• Program Management Task Force Overview

o Definitions

o PM Core Competencies

o PM Certification and Requirements

o PM Credentials

• Core Training Changes

• Factors Regarding Grandfathering Policy

• Knowledge Areas Under Program Management

Pre-Decisional

3

USD(A&S) “’Back-to-Basics’ for the Defense

Acquisition Workforce” Memo of Sep 2, 2020• Acquisition Workforce will be restructured and

consolidated under six Functional Areas

• Program Management is one of the six primary

Defense Acquisition Workforce Functional Areas

• Others are: Life Cycle Logistics, Contracting,

Engineering, Test & Evaluation, and Business

Financial Management/Cost Estimating

• Functional Leader (FL) assigned for each of six

Functional Areas; Program Management Functional

Leader will be Assistant Secretary of Defense for

Acquisition (ASD(A))

• Phased implementation of this new “Back-to-Basics

21st Century Acquisition Workforce Talent

Management Framework” beginning 1 Oct 20, with full

deployment by 1 Oct 21

• Back-to-Basic outcomes for each Functional Area,

including Program Management, includes achieving:

• streamlined and restructured certification requirements

• identifying prioritized credentials, and

• providing for continuous learning

https://www.hci.mil/btb.html

Pre-Decisional

4

Program Management Task Force Overview

• Objective: The Task Force was formed with the purpose of developing and proposing

a streamlined and adaptable PM workforce training and developmental concept that

addresses “Voice of the Customer” issues by providing timely, relevant and tailored

training for program management personnel across the defense acquisition workforce,

consistent with the statutory requirements and OUSD(A&S) direction.

• Address key themes of DAU “Voice of the Customer” survey:o Current DAWIA 3-level certification model is too frontloaded

o Much learning comes too soon; much forgotten or outdated when needed

o Significant scrap learning; “this isn’t relevant to my job”

o Too much policy, not enough tailorable, job-centered skills

o Must support both job-centered learning and career-long development

• Address FY20 NDAA SEC. 861. Defense Acquisition Workforce Certification,

Education, and Career Fields regarding Professional Certification Requirement

• Task Force formed with representatives from the Services, two agencies with the

largest program management population (DISA and MDA), numerous advisors

Pre-Decisional

5

Key Definitions

• Acquisition Core Training: When developed, will

address baseline competencies applicable to the entire acquisition

workforce and is needed for certification.

• PM Core Training: Training that addresses competencies

that PM workforce members shall possess, appropriate to their level

of responsibility, regardless of organization or specialty area, and is

needed to attain certification.

• PM Specialty Training: Unique training that addresses

competencies needed to perform a specific job or skill not shared by

the entire program management workforce. Specialty Training is not

part of Core training and is not needed for certification. Specialty

training assignments are defined by unique needs of the individual

position and worker, and therefore can vary greatly. Training is highly

responsive and provides learning closer to the time of need and a

foundation for individuals’ continued development.

• Continuous Development: The continuous learning

program is used to learn, refresh or affirm skills and knowledge on an

on-going basis. This program is to be used to promote and monitor

certification currency and completion of credentials. Development

includes Core, Specialty and Other Training. Other Training includes

Currency / Refresher Training; On-the-Job Training in current job, or

development assignments, training in other functional areas, etc.

Core

PM

Specialty

Other(refresher /

currency,

OJT, other

functional

training,

etc.)

Continuous

Development

Elements of these types of training can lead to Credentialing

Pre-Decisional

6

PM Core Competencies

• TF identified the minimum key core competencies needed for

certification; aligned to 100% of ANSI knowledge areas and

compliant with FY20 NDAA Sect 861

o Resulting list of management competencies (Acquisition, Business,

Technical) needed for certification is approximately 48% the size of the

current list

o List of leadership competencies are generally the same (although the

PM specific list may be greatly reduced or eliminated entirely if adopted

by the AWF)

o Competencies not included in Core would be gained through Specialty

Training as needed

• PM core competencies are more comprehensive than ANSI standard;

(ANSI does not address aspects of Acquisition or DoD / Federal

environment, statutory law, policies or practices)

Pre-Decisional

7

Proposed PM Certification

• Two levels of certification are being pursued given PM workforce skill levels gravitate

toward two groups

• Practitioner

o Practitioner level program management workforce members have achieved a higher level of

competence that is beyond a rudimentary awareness and understanding of the knowledge,

skills, and abilities associated with program management competencies

o This level is able to perform in difficult or complex situations and manage projects or program

segments of low to moderate risks with little or moderate oversight.

o Applies to entire PM workforce

o Certification would require ~63% reduction in training hours compared to DAWIA levels I-II

• Advanced

o Senior level program management workforce members are considered to generally work at the

“Advanced Practitioner” and “Expert” proficiency levels

o They are required to have advanced or enhanced levels of knowledge, skills and abilities

associated with program management competencies. These members possess all, or nearly

all, of the attributes needed to perform in the most complex or difficult situations

o Applies to those working beyond Practitioner in the most demanding segment of the PM

workforce (Program Managers, Deputy Program Managers, and other positions

designated by Component)

o Additional specialty training (per Title 10, Sect. 1735) also required for ACAT I/II PM/DPM.

o Certification would represent a ~58% reduction in training compared to DAWIA level III

Pre-Decisional

8

PM Practitioner PM Advanced

Education Technical degree preferred Technical degree preferred

Training PM core competencies PM core competencies

Experience1 At least 4 years relevant acquisition

experience with evidence of demonstrated

proficiency in PM competencies.

8 or more years relevant program management experience, with at least

2 of these years with cost, schedule and performance responsibilities in

a program management office or similar organization (dedicated matrix

support to a PM, PEO, DCMA program integrator, or supervisor of

shipbuilding).

Assessment

& Validation

• Self-nominating process containing

evidence of applicable experience over

time

• Endorsement / Validation by certified PM

designated by Component

• Comprehensive Examination

• Self-nominating process containing evidence of applicable experience

over time

• Endorsement by certified PM designated by Component

• Validation by 1 or more senior PM professionals designated by

Component

• Comprehensive Examination

Verification Components verify and document completion of above requirements and provide DoD Program Management

Certification.

Currency • 80 Continuous Learning Points every 2 years

• CLPs are taken in technical, professional, and specialty competencies.

• A certain amount/type of CLPs as determined by supervisor shall directly map to professional competencies.

• If 80 CLPs not completed within 2 year time period, certification becomes inactive. Re-activate certification requires

passing comprehensive exam again. Specific application policy will need to be provided in DoDI 5000.66.

Proposed DoD PM Certification Requirements

Notes: 1. Fulfillment options available when onboarding more experienced personnel

Pre-Decisional

9

PM Credentials

• PM Task Force proposed definition of credentials: A defined and

recognized collection of knowledge and skills to address particular

competencies, and earned through a specific set of training and/or

experience.o Recognition given to individuals who have met predetermined qualifications.

o Training and experience (where applicable) in a particular set of competencies that are

recognized by the Department. PM credentials will not duplicate other established

credentialing programs.

• Some possible PM credentials:

• Components may develop credentials that are unique to their skill

requirements (e.g., Space, Shipbuilding)

o Capability Integration Planning

o Acquisition Law and Policy

o International Acquisition and

Exportability

o Services Acquisition

o Contracts

o Financial Management

o Engineering Management

o Defense Business Systems

o Test and Evaluation Management

o Manufacturing Management

o Product Support Management

o Cybersecurity

o Software Management

o Intellectual Property

o Earned Value Management

Pre-Decisional

10

Agenda

• Program Management Task Force Overview

o Definitions

o PM Core Competencies

o PM Certification and Requirements

o PM Credentials

• Core Training Changes

• Factors Regarding Grandfathering Policy

• Knowledge Areas Under Program Management

11

Program Management

Core Training Change

Recommendations

February 17, 2021

Program Management FIPT

FY20-21 Program ManagementLevel III Certification

Total training for Level III

PM: 575 hrs

Total training for ACAT I/II PM /

DPM: 1,135 hrs

• Potential ACAT I, IA, II, & lll PMs, Deputy PMs• PEOs & ACAT I, IA, II PMs & Deputy PMs

Beyond Certification TrainingPMT-401 and PMT-402 meet statutory requirement for PEO/ACAT I/II

PM & Deputy PM (10 USC 1735)

Level II Certification

31 hrs, online

22 hrs, onlineLevel I Certification

ACQ 1010Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management

PMT 3550Program Management

Office Course

PMT 2520Program Management Tools

Course, Part I

PMT 402Executive PM Course

8 weeks classroom

PMT 401Program Manager’s Course

20 days classroom + online modules

CLB 007Cost Analysis

30 hrs, online

ENG 101Fundamentals of Systems

Engineering

35 hrs, online

CON 121Contract Planning

12 hrs, online

EVM 101Fundamentals of Earned Value

Management

ENG 201Applied Systems Engineering in

Defense Acquisition, Part I

19 hrs, online

15 hrs, online

ACQ 203Intermediate Systems

Acquisition, Part B

32 hrs classroom

ACQ 202Intermediate Systems

Acquisition, Part A

34 hrs, online

CLV 016Introduction to Earned

Value Management

PMT 257Program Management Tools

Course, Part II

36 hrs virtual classroom

ISA 1010Basic Information

Systems Acquisition

23 hrs, online

148 hrs classroom

PMT 360Program Management

Office Course

BCF 110Fundamentals of Business

Financial Management

26 hours, online

22 hrs, online

LOG 104Reliability, Availability, and

Maintainability

CON 127Contract Management

CON 124Contract Execution

13 hrs, online

10 hrs, online

1 Year Experience 4 Years Experience2 Years Experience

EVM 263Principles of Schedule

Management (R)

24 hrs classroom

ACQ 315Understanding Industry

36 hrs classroom

70 hrs 215 hrs

290 hrs

560 hrs

12

PM Core Certification Training Courses

• Utilized reduced set of PM competencies as a basis for Core training that leads to Certification

• Core Courses:– Reduce substantial scrap learning not required for Core Certification;

– Reduce times to complete training;

– Specifically tailored to address PM competencies approved in June 2020

• Specialty courses to provide training based on individual’s needs – Provide tailorable, job-centered skills

– Training taken when needed/desired

13

Pre-Decisional

Advanced Certification Training

31 hrs, online

22 hrs, online

ACQ 1010Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management

PMT 3550Program Management

Office Course

PMT 2520Program Management

Tools Course, Part I

FY 22 Program Management—ApprovedEffective 1 Oct 2021

CLB 007Cost Analysis

8 hrs, online

ENG 101Fundamentals of Systems

Engineering

35 hrs, online

CON 121Contract Planning

12 hrs, online

EVM 101Fundamentals of Earned

Value Management

ENG 201Applied Systems

Engineering in Defense Acquisition, Part I

19 hrs, online

15 hrs, online

ACQ 2030Intermediate Systems

Acquisition, Part B

32 hrs classroom

ACQ 2020Intermediate Systems

Acquisition, Part A

34 hrs, online

CLV 016Introduction to Earned

Value Management

PMT 2570Program Management Tools Course, Part II

28 hrs virtual classroom

ISA 101Basic Information

Systems Acquisition

23 hrs, online

88 hrs classroom est.

PMT 3600Program Management

Office Course

BCF 110Fundamentals of Business

Financial Management

26 hours, online

22 hrs, online

LOG 103Reliability, Availability, and

Maintainability

CON 127Contract Management

CON 124Contract Execution

13 hrs, online 10 hrs, online

8 Years Experience

4 Years Experience

EVM 263Principles of Schedule

Management (R)

24 hrs classroom

ACQ 315Understanding Industry

36 hrs classroom

290 hrs

• Potential ACAT I, IA, II, & lll PMs, Deputy PMs• PEOs & ACAT I, IA, II PMs & Deputy PMs

Beyond Certification TrainingPMT-401 and PMT-402 meet statutory requirement for

PEO/ACAT I/II PM & Deputy PM (10 USC 1735)

PMT 402Executive PM Course

8 weeks classroom

PMT 401Program Manager’s Course

160 hrs classroom + online modules

480 hrs

Practitioner Certification Training

105 hrs total training est

137 hrs est

CLM 003Acquisition Ethics

1 hr, online

PMT 0140Team Management and

Leadership (From Program Management Tools Course,

Part I Module)

3 hrs, online

PMT 0120Program Scheduling (From

Program Management Tools Course, Part I Module)

PMT 0130WBS (From Program

Management Tools Course, Part I Module)

PMT 0170Risk Management (From Program Management

Tools Course, Part I Module)

PMT 3500Business Aspects (From

PMT 3550 Module)

PMT 3400Leadership and

Organization (From PMT 3550 Module)

3 hrs., online

3 hrs., online

3 hrs., online

2 hrs., online

2 hrs., online

Total training for Practitioner PM: 285 hours 105 hours

Total training for Advanced PM: 575 hours 242 hours

Total training for ACAT I/II PM / DPM: 1,135 hours 722 hours

Plus Comprehensive Exam for each level

285 hrs

14

In revisionIn revision In revision

Pre-Decisional

Reduced PM Training Hours

15

• Proposed certification construct, conservative estimate:

‐ Overall Advanced certification requirement: from 575 to 242 hrs

(58% reduction)

– Practitioner (Level I-II equivalent): 285 hrs to 105 hrs (63% reduction)

– Advanced from Practitioner (Level III equivalent): 290 hrs to 137 hrs

(53% reduction)

• ACAT I/II PM/DPM: 1,155 to 827 hrs (28% reduction)

Pre-Decisional

Functional Leader Approved Direction

16

Implementation plan to proceed with proposed changes for Practitioner and Advanced Certification training is approved.

Pre-Decisional

17

Agenda

• Program Management Task Force Overview

o Definitions

o PM Core Competencies

o PM Certification and Requirements

o PM Credentials

• Core Training Changes

• Factors Regarding Grandfathering Policy

• Knowledge Areas Under Program Management

18

Factors Regarding Grandfathering

• Purpose: Establish rules for converting previously

certified people and those pending certification

• Considerations to address:

o Currently certified, working in PM career field

o Currently certified, not working in PM career field

o Pending certification, in PM career field

• Focus will be on ensuring fairness, efficiency,

and maintaining the credibility of the certification

• The transformation will require a culture change

to make the shift from the current certification

definitions and processes

Pre-Decisional

19

Agenda

• Program Management Task Force Overview

o Definitions

o PM Core Competencies

o PM Certification and Requirements

• Core Training Changes

• Factors Regarding Grandfathering Policy

• Knowledge Areas Under Program Management

20

USD(A&S) Designation of

Knowledge Areas

• Knowledge Areas assigned to the PM Functional Leader

o Information Technology Management

o Intellectual Property

o Small Business

o International / Security Cooperation

o Services Acquisition

o Earned Value Management

o Acquisition Intelligence

o Software Acquisition Management

• The Program Management Functional Leader is

responsible for deployment and sustainment of training

and credentials for theses high priority knowledge areas.

Pre-Decisional

21

Next Steps

• Finalize the certification and training

framework

• Finalize the “grandfathering” plan

• Continued communication to the PM

workforce

• DAU course development

• Component management efforts

• Implementation Oct 2021

Pre-Decisional

22

Questions?