What is an Acquisition and Contract Management Diploma Program?
As an acquisitions and contract manager, you would be responsible for negotiating and buying the various goods and services your company uses in making their products, or resells to their customers. In book printing for example, an acquisitions and contract manager might deal with printers and paper manufacturers to get the best price on materials necessary for creating books. You would occupy a vital position in the supply chain, and you might get involved at every level of the manufacturing and distribution process. A diploma program in acquisition and contract management will prepare you with the basic skills you need for entry-level employment in the field.
Skills Acquired
A diploma program for acquisition and contract management will help you find a job in the buying aspect of manufacturing and sales. A good program will teach you the latest in purchasing policies and principles employed by private industry and the government. You'll learn about the federal procurement process, along with the various concepts and procedures associated with government contracting. You will be trained in programming and planning, as well as evaluation of program funding. You will gain proficiency with procurement requirements, work statements and specifications, and acquisition planning. Some of your training will cover the various aspects of purchasing and materials management, such as categorizing their function, quality and quantity, as well as considerations regarding pricing policies, supplier selection, and any potential ethical or legal implications.
Coursework in an Acquisition and Contract Management Diploma Program May Include:
- Purchasing and Materials Management
- Principles of Federal Acquisition
- Contract Administration
- Purchasing Negotiation Techniques
- Service Contracting
- Cost and Price Analysis
- Procurement Law
Career Outlook and Salary Information
The rise of Internet communication has made it harder to find work in the acquisitions and contract management field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is partly because it's easier than ever to set up and maintain accounts with individual vendors. But industry will always need people to manage the accounts and oversee the execution of deals and contracts. So there continues to be a demand for skilled acquisition managers. Experience in the industry where you plan to seek employment, as well as some formal education, will give you a competitive edge. The average income in 2004 for acquisitions and contract management professionals ranged from $40K to $120K per year.
