Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals Quick Details Location Virtual Dates March to August 2025 Cost $6,999 Audience GS-12 to GS-14 High-performing acquisition professionals who have reached the GS-12 to GS-14 level at the time of application. Apply byFeb. 7, 2025,at 5 p.m. EDT For more information, contact: Diana Starkes at DStarkes@ourpublicservice.org or (202) 292–1014 Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals Our government’s ability to serve the public depends on the strength, expertise and leadership of federal mission-support functions. While this work is usually done behind the scenes, it is imperative to build the leadership attributes of mission-support professionals because of their wide-ranging impact, the interconnectedness of their work and their ability to positively impact strategic decisions. The Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals Program prepares GS-12 to GS-14 federal employees in acquisitions to become better leaders by focusing on the four core tenets of the Partnership’s Public Service Leadership Model: self-awareness, engaging others, leading change and achieving results. By the end of the course, participants will be able to make values-based decisions, use their roles to build strong partnerships, identify how to drive positive impact within their organizations and demonstrate enhanced leadership attributes. Experienced instructors will introduce proven leadership techniques, facilitate engaging conversations, and guide activities and workshops on course concepts. Throughout the program, participants will also work on a team of four to seven people to provide and receive peer coaching and feedback on workplace challenges. In addition to time spent in session, participants should plan to spend an average of three to five hours per week working with this group throughout the program. The Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals program was formerly a track in the Mission Support Leadership Program. Apply by Feb. 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. EDT Program details PDF Sign up for email updates to learn more about our Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals Program How to Apply Completed applications must include: Personal information. Professional experience. Development goals for the program. A current resume. Supervisor endorsement. Applicants should write short-answer responses that demonstrate how their career goals align with the expectations of LEAP participants. Program content is geared toward individuals with leadership experience who seek positions or roles of increased responsibility. We have high standards for all participants and evaluate their applications to ensure they will be able to contribute fully to the program. Applicants can save their application and return to complete it at any time. At the time of application, applicants must be high-performing, acquisition professionals who have reached the GS-12 to GS-14 level and have at least three to five years of experience working in their field. At minimum, participants should possess at least a FAC-C Level II or equivalent certification and have at least three years of federal contracting experience. To meet their guidelines, agencies may raise the level of qualifications. Program Structure The program includes five three-day virtual sessions over the course of five months. Each session is 6.5 hours long, running from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT. The program also includes a 1.5-hour virtual orientation session. All sessions will take place via Zoom for Government. Participants will be placed in cohorts, each led by an executive coach, and the program includes plenary-style sessions where all cohorts join together to participate in cross-functional activities. Experienced instructors will introduce proven leadership techniques, facilitate engaging conversations, and guide activities and workshops on course concepts. 360 Leadership Assessment Participants complete a self-assessment based on the Partnership’s Public Service Leadership Model competencies and receive feedback from peers, supervisor(s) and direct reports on their demonstration of these competencies. Executive Coaching Using results from their personal 360 leadership assessment, participants are paired with an executive coach for a one-hour, one-on-one coach session to discuss their individual development and to address their current workplace challenges. Peer Workshops Within their cohorts, participants brainstorm ideas and share best practices through in-class group coaching scenarios and breakout group discussions. Session Pre-Work Prior to each session, participants read articles and watch videos, which provide context for the course topics. Guest SPeakers Participants will hear from guest speakers with extensive federal and private sector expertise. These speakers will provide real-world perspectives on identifying and solving public sector challenges. Session Details All sessions will take place via Zoom for Government. A mandatory orientation session will be held virtually on March 26, 2025, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EDT. Session 1: April 1-3, 2025 Defining your Leadership Style Understand the significance of emotional intelligence in the workplace. Commit to personal development through continuous learning. Increase self-awareness through exploration of core values and motivations. Session 2: May 6-8, 2025 Developing High Performing Teams Identify techniques to support productive teamwork. Cultivate relationships to achieve buy-in with stakeholders. Develop diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies to maximize cohesion and effectiveness of a team. Session 3: June 24-26, 2025 Championing a Culture of Change Identify ways to drive change from your level. Acquire techniques to establish credibility and effectively persuade others. Support an innovation mindset and risk-taking on your team. Session 4: July 22-24, 2025 Results Driven Decision-Making Learn techniques to hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving results. Define ways to make data-driven, customer-focused decisions. Understand how to achieve outcomes while navigating the federal environment. Session 5: August 26-28, 2025 Building a Strategic Mindset Develop a plan for being more strategic and consultative in the workplace. Explore how to build and maintain resilience throughout your career. Solidify personal leadership aspirations. Staff Members from the Partnership staff will work with you throughout the Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals Program to ensure that your experience goes smoothly. Thumbnail for Diana Starkes Diana Starkes Manager Thumbnail for Kyra Meece Kyra Meece Associate Manager and Wellde Fellow Back to course catalog
