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AUS Career Enhancers & Careline Specialist Training
At THE VISN GROUP, we understand that every business is unique, and we take a customized approach to help you achieve your goals. Our team of experts has the experience and knowledge to help you transform your business, whether you need help with process improvement, change management, or organizational restructuring. We work closely with you to understand your needs and provide tailored solutions that drive results.
VISN SME Specialty Training Areas Include:
VISN FOIA Specialist [TM]
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a cornerstone of government transparency in the United States, allowing citizens and organizations access to federal agency records to ensure accountability and informed public discourse. This FOIA training course is designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of FOIA’s purpose, the request process, exemptions, appeals, and the responsibilities of FOIA officers. Participants will gain not only a thorough knowledge of FOIA’s statutory requirements but also practical skills in handling requests, navigating exemptions, managing appeals, and understanding the legal precedents that have shaped FOIA interpretations.
In this course, participants will explore FOIA's foundational principles, including government accountability and public access to information. Through a blend of theoretical and hands-on training, the course emphasizes practical applications and real-world scenarios, including mock FOIA requests, case law analysis, and role-play exercises. Additionally, students will analyze landmark FOIA cases using the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) method to enhance their legal analytical skills and deepen their understanding of FOIA-related litigation.
By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to handle FOIA requests proficiently, balance transparency with privacy concerns, and navigate complex situations where legal and ethical considerations intersect. This training is ideal for FOIA officers, public sector employees, and professionals in federal contracting who frequently interact with FOIA or have a role in government transparency initiatives.
Course Objectives
- To provide a thorough understanding of the Freedom of Information Act, its history, purpose, and the principles it promotes.
- To teach participants the procedural requirements for handling FOIA requests, including timing, exemptions, and appeals.
- To develop practical skills for processing FOIA requests, navigating legal challenges, and balancing transparency with privacy and security concerns.
- To enhance participants’ legal analytical abilities through case law analysis, with emphasis on interpreting FOIA exemptions and litigation outcomes.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the purpose, history, and scope of FOIA and its role in promoting transparency and accountability.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the FOIA request process, including drafting, submission, tracking, and response requirements.
- Identify and apply FOIA exemptions and exclusions appropriately, using case law to guide decisions.
- Navigate the appeals process and understand the criteria for challenging FOIA denials.
- Analyze FOIA-related case law using the IRAC method, enhancing their ability to interpret legal precedents and apply them in practice.
- Simulate the responsibilities of a FOIA officer, including best practices for managing complex requests and communicating with requesters.
- Apply ethical considerations in FOIA-related decision-making, balancing public interest with privacy and security.
This course structure ensures that participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for navigating FOIA-related responsibilities. Through interactive tasks, case studies, and assessments, learners will develop confidence and proficiency in FOIA processes and principles.
* Course Prerequisite- Level 2 AUS Certification
3 - 4 Month Program
[Deploy-able] Disaster Task Force-Response Specialist [TM]
When disaster strikes, no time for delay. DTF Specialist will have the keen skills and ability to make quick decisions for the containment, and mitigation of any further loss of life and/or property, restore order in its immediate aftermath, and re-establish normality.
Our training and certification program develops medical center leaders and roles players for the managing of medical center contractual needs, resources, and programs in the time of emergency situations caused by human activities and natural events such as earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes.
* Course Prerequisite- Level 2 AUS Certification
6 Month Program
GSA Lease Negotiations and Due Diligence
Understand the RLP process, negotiating the lease, and dealing with the government as the tenant.
The federal government is the country's largest tenant by far, if not in the world. In both strong and not-so-strong economic times, the federal government is always in the market for new or replacement space ranging from the most modern office space to simple warehousing requirements. When the commercial real estate market is in the doldrums, the federal government is always still there as a potential tenant. Understanding how to successfully deal with the government and obtain a long-term stream of rental income should be a critical aspect of any prudent lessor's and investor's knowledge portfolio.
Understanding the RLP and the Lease
- Termination and Option Provisions/No TFC Usually
- Tenant Improvement Allowances
- Geographical Restrictions
- Enhancing Security Requirements/Security Levels/Protection of Building Information as CUI/High-Security Space/Identification of Ownership and Financing Sources/Tenant Agency Refusal to Accept Lessor
- Construction Budgeting
- The GSA Forms - SF 2, SF 1217, SF 1364, SF 3517, SF 3518, etc.
- Notices to Proceed/Substantial Completion/Acceptance of the Space/Certificate of Occupancy
- Tax Adjustment Clause/Full Assessment/Tax Base Year
- Space Requirements, Standard and Otherwise
- Waiver of Restoration
- Operating Costs
- Drawings
- Delays/Force Majeure/Excusable Delays/Liquidated Damages
- Substitution of Tenant Agency
Understanding the RLP/Competitive Selection and Award Process/Sole Source
- The Congressional Prospectus Process
- RLP as Solicitation/RFP
- Award Based on Price/Price Evaluation
- Award Based on Other Factors/Most Advantageous to the Government Determinations
- RLP Defects and Award Challenges/Bid Protest Process/GAO/COFC/Agency-Level
Administering the Lease
- Renewal/Replacement/Interim/Temporary/New Leases
- Keeping the Tenant Agency Happy/Resolving Issues
- Reduction/Withholding/Offset of Rent
- Holding Over/Inverse Condemnation
- Selling the Property/Novating the Lease
- Assignments Under the Assignment of Claims Act
- Claims Under the Contract Disputes Act
- Compliance With GSAR and FAR Requirements
6 Month Program
Commercial Lease Termination
Learn how to identify the issues that will help you evaluate, navigate, and memorialize lease termination transactions and minimize the risk.
When either a landlord or tenant approaches you, as either its outside or in-house attorney, to represent it in connection with the termination of a lease, there are a number of legal and business issues that should evaluate and consider to protect both assess the parties’ respective rights, obligations while determining how best to memorialize the agreements, to the benefit of both parties.
The facts of why a lease termination is being sought is generally at the forefront of any initial analysis, whether it is for convenience, is the implementation of lease rights, is due to one party’s need that the other party cannot fulfill or represents a workout, short of court proceedings. Lease terminations are most commonly sought by a tenant who can no longer utilize its leased premises, for a number of reasons. Conversely, there are instances in which landlord requires a space for the expansion of a larger tenant or some other strategic reason, including extensive remodeling or demolition of the building (or to get rid of a problem tenant). These motivating factors will be discussed, as will the issues that arise from each of them. Although terminating a lease does not involve the negotiation of a document as long and complex as the lease itself, it can present its own complexities and issues that require careful consideration and attention (some of which are not that obvious and may require protracted negotiations).
Learning Objectives
- You will be able to review lease termination rights and conditions.
- You will be able to discuss mutual agreements for termination based on convenience, tenant issues, or other reasons.
- You will be able to recognize potential joint and several liabilities for both parties involved in lease termination.
- You will be able to explain additional termination considerations.
Advertising & Outreach Specialist
Nearly every Medical facility uses some form of advertising to promote their products or services to the veteran community. As a certified VISN Advertising & Outreach Specialist this course will teach you how to maneuver in the new advertisement arena of print, digital and social media.
Being successful in advertising requires more than just creative thinking, it requires research and project management skills. This course will also teach you how to couple creative and strategic thinking. You will learn how to analyze consumer motives, research markets, and use this data to plan and create advertisements.
* Course Prerequisite- Level 2 AUS Certification
GSA 2 VA Certified Buy Specialist
The General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offer a wide range of acquisition solutions available to federal and state & local governments. GSA eLibrary was created to provide a centralized online resource to assist acquisition professionals in the research and identification of commercial businesses providing products and services offered under GSA and VA acquisition solutions. Information on GSA eLibrary is updated every night, so you can be assured that what you are seeing is accurate and up-to-date award information. GSA eLibrary contains the latest contract or BPA award information from the following acquisition solutions: ● GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) ● VA Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) ● Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) ● Multi-Agency Contracts (MACs) ● Technology Contracts ● Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) Solutions ● Strategically Sourced Blanket Purchase Agreements
GSA eBuy is designed to make online FAR compliant procurement faster and easier for federal civilian and military buyers. In addition to offering best pricing, GSA eBuy is your one-stop-shop for: Here is a sample of what a GSA 2 VA Certified Buy Specialist provide: :
- Posting requirements and receive quotes electronically on millions of products and services
- Finding sources of supply
- Seeking information
- Procuring complex requirements by attaching statements of work
- Requesting large dollar items
- Establishing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
* Course Prerequisite- Level 2 AUS Certification
VA Contract Closeout Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs Contract Closeout
Purpose: To remind Contracting Officers and Heads of Contracting Agencies within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that in accordance with (IAW) FAR Subpart 42.302(a)(65) Contract Closeout is a part of contract administration. Contract closeout must be accomplished IAW the requirements of FAR Subpart 4.804.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Sections Impacted: FAR Subpart 4.804 and FAR Subpart 42.302
Background: Contract closeout is the final stage of the Government contracting process. It can begin when the contract has been physically completed, and is not finished until final payment is made, any disputes settled, and all administrative actions required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation and specific agency procedures are completed. It is the responsibility of the contracting office administering the contract to closeout the contract in accordance with the requirements of and time specified in FAR Subpart 4.804, Closeout of contract files. OMB A123 Acquisition Assessments consistently found closeout of contract files was not timely and not accomplished in accordance with FAR Subpart 4.804.
Applicability: This notice applies to contract specialist, warranted contracting officers, Head of Contracting Activities, and others in acquisition workforce performing contract closeout tasks.
Action Required: Members of the VA acquisition workforce must close-out
Learning Objectives:
Assist with correspondence and negotiation with contractors on contracts to be closed out. Develop and write closeout documents for purchase orders, GSA orders, inter-agency agreements (IAAs), cost reimbursement (CR), cost plus fixed fee (CPFF), firm-fixed price (FFP), time-and-materials (T&M), etc. contract closeouts.
These documents include, as applicable:
o Release of claims,
o Standard Form 30s,
o Contract closeout checklists,
o Patent and inventions documentation, and
o Other documents related to contract closeout.
The closeout specialist will be experienced in all aspects of cost reimbursement contract
·closeout.
·Execute quick-closeout procedures in accordance with FAR Part 42.708.
·Reconcile final indirect rates and costs.
·Provide weekly close out progress report to COR documenting contracts in process, completed, and presented for final closeout action by customer.
·Create closeout documents in the PRISM contracting writing system database.
·Prioritize Cancelling Funds Inter-Agency Agreements (IAAs), zero ($0) balance closeout actions, contracts with high de-obligations values (above $25,000)
VAMC Case Law Analysts [CLA]
VAMC Case Law Analysts [CLA] act as a part of the agency’s acquisition team, skilled in legal research and legal writing. [CLA] have a minimal of one-year direct procurement experience and have been certified in Federal Acquisition Regulations [FAR] I-II. [CLA] are skilled to provide detail risk analysis, protest avoidance support, legal sufficient procurement strategies, and can support the contracting officer in any protest concerns, etc. They develop, maintain, and support customized VA specific case law depositories for their organization.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
CASE EVALUATION
- Review and analyze correspondence and documents related to veteran affairs procurement protests, GAO audits and findings.
- Produce a written evaluation for each case used to support the agencies procurement risk assessment.
- Manages, continuously, a docket of cases at the middle and final stage of evaluation.
- Ensure that all communications, correspondence, and documents are properly tracked and stored.
- At as the agency’s Document Manager to procure and assemble case files with documents necessary for analysis.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Familiarity with legal procedure preferred
- Computer literacy, preferably experience with complex case management tools and searchable databases
* Course Prerequisite- Level 3 AUS Certification
Cost Estimating Requirements for Veterans Affairs Facilities
The agencies collective goal is to manage the execution of the project within the funding limit approved by Congress. VA has a responsibility to act as a steward of tax dollars. That stewardship is conveyed in turn to the design team. VA expects the entire design team to take ownership of the project construction budget and to be an advocate for successful execution of the project within the available funding. The A/E cost estimator’s role is a critical element of project cost management. Rather than limiting responsibilities to simply reporting costs, the estimator must be an integral part of the design team, continually interacting and providing input to design decisions at every stage of development. Controlling and managing project performance relies on the project planning process: integrating the planning process is essential to managing the relationship between cost, time and scope. Coordinating requirements for cost, time and scope is the path to achieving project success.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Analyzing and documenting the various components of any construction project. including structures, highways, utilities, and residential buildings.
- Reading blueprints and other construction-related documents.
- Communicating with contractors, clients, and other parties throughout the bidding process
Cost estimation is a crucial part of the bidding phase of any construction project. Estimators need to analyze construction documents, take-offs, and other direct and indirect costs in order to develop bids that are as accurate as possible. In this estimating program, we’ll cover several key topics that include:
- Construction mathematics
- Estimation terminology
- Quantity take-off, pricing, and bidding
- Uniform cost index categories
- Problem-solving techniques
- Types of materials
- Material ordering/handling methods
- Quality control and oversight
- Material relationships to the Uniform Building Code
* Course Prerequisite- Level 3 AUS Certification
AUS- Legal Research & Writing Specialist [LRW]
LRW Specialist develop, prepare, and present legally sufficient required acquisition support documentation on behalf of and in support of their carelines. These types of documentation include the following:
- Acquisition Plans / Strategies,
- FAR Justifications,
- Legal Memorandums,
- Congressional Responses
- etc.
All training falls under our AUS-Case Law Analysts Certification
Workplace Conflict Management USING EEO and FLRA CasE LAW
VISN -(WCM) EEO and FLRA Case Law Specialist
Workplace conflict management involves addressing disagreements between employees in a way that's fair, constructive, and sensitive. The goal is to reach a solution that everyone can agree on. Our program ensure our clients have the required foundational skills to identify, addressing and rectify most Workplace Conflicts without future conflict. Our curriculum not only addresses the duties of a of ((WCM) but dives deep into accountability, responsibilities and reliability elements that are placed upon them thru intense review of EEO and FLRA Case Law studies involving the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Workplace Conflict Management Training
- In depth studies in Workplace Issues & Conflict Management Techniques
Workplace Conflict Management Training for Federal Employees
- In depth studies in Workplace Conflict in Federal Agencies-
Workplace Conflict Management Training for Federal Employees with Focus on EEO and FLRA Cases Against the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- In depth studies in Conflict Management in the Department of Veterans
(10) VA Case Law Studies
visn - Workplace Mediation Specialist
VISN-WORKPLACE MEDIATION SPECIALIST
VISN workplace mediation specialist provides significant value by facilitating open communication between conflicting parties, creating a safe space for individuals to express their concerns, and helping them reach a mutually agreeable resolution, ultimately improving workplace harmony and preventing future conflicts by addressing issues at their root, rather than letting them escalate.
By cultivating these skills and following a structured approach, you can become an effective workplace mediator who resolves conflicts, improves relationships, and enhances organizational harmony.
Our VISN Mediator Training focus the following:
- Foundations of Workplace Mediation
- Emotional Intelligence and VA Workplace Dynamics
- Mastering the Mediation Process
- Addressing Unique Challenges in the VA
- Practicum and Continuous Improvement
- VA Case Law
REAL PROPERTY
VAMC- Environmental Services
REAL PROPERTY
Office of Real Property (ORP) within the Office of Construction and Facilities Management supports VA’s mission by acquiring land for VHA and NCA and by leasing space; facilitating intergovernmental transfers, exchanges, disposals and the acquisition of and granting of easements, licenses and permits. It also provides guidance to regional and local VA offices regarding real property, including the analysis of real estate investment analysis. ORP also oversees and administers the Lease Credentialing Program (LCP) and Lease Contracting Warrant (LCO) Program for VA.
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Commercial Real Estate Finance Specialist Program
Skilled Gained:
Real Estate Financial Modeling, Construction Finance, Environmental Analysis, Due Diligence, Lease & Rent Roll Analysis and more
Great For:
AUS - LEASING SPECIALIST
Contract Specialist
Contracting Officers
Fundamentals of Commercial Real Estate
This course is for individuals interested in entering the commercial real estate field. The course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of commercial real estate, including property types, financials, and valuation.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the four major property types: multi-family, office, retail, and industrial
- Explore the major differences between commercial real estate and personal use real estate
- Gain an understanding of common agent activities including leasing, brokerage, development, property management, and financing
- Learn the terms of the trade, such as cost per square foot, gross rent multiplier, capitalization rate, and cash on cash return
AUS - LEASING SPECIALIST
Contract Specialist
Contracting Officers
VAMC- FMS
VAMC- Environmental Services
REAL PROPERTY
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities Management (Engineering) function is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of VA buildings, including those that are leased. This includes:
- Maintenance
- Modernization
- Oversight
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Training / Certifications
IN DEVELOPMENT
AUS staff members who write Performance Work Statements on behalf of the FMS Careline.
VAMC- Environmental Services
VAMC- Environmental Services
VAMC- Environmental Services
Environmental Management Services, or EMS, is a diverse team of professionals with a broad range of talents working to ensure the VA Hospital is a safe, clean environment for Veterans and staff at all times. Environmental services (EVS), also known as housekeeping services, is how the healthcare industry describes the highly trained support service staff and their processes for cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, medical equipment, and other areas in healthcare facilities. EVS teams are the frontline guardians of any healthcare facility, keeping patients, staff, and visitors safe through proper cleaning and disinfection techniques.
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Training / Certifications
IN DEVELOPMENT
AUS staff members who write Performance Work Statements on behalf of the EMS Careline.
LOGISTICS
CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
VAMC- Environmental Services
The Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) staff are responsible for VA logistics policy development, enforcement, coordination, and training. This includes policy for property management, transportation, storage and distribution, and environmental compliance. The office is also the program manager for Departmental inventory management systems, VA strategic sourcing, metrics conversion, value engineering, product standards and specifications and the Supplier Relationship Management initiative.
Training / Certifications
IN DEVELOPMENT
CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
The Office of Construction & Facilities Management (CFM) is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of all major construction projects greater than $20 million. In addition, CFM acquires real property for use by VA elements through the purchase of land and buildings, as well as long-term lease acquisitions. Through the construction and real property programs, CFM delivers to Veterans, high quality buildings, additions, large scale renovations, and structural enhancements. CFM also manages facility sustainability, seismic corrections, physical security, and historic preservation of VA’s facilities.
Training / Certifications
Cost Estimators [In Development]
PHARMACY
CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
Pharmacists work in this field are responsible for dispensing of medications, quality testing, formulating and re-formulating dosage forms, monitoring and reporting drug safety, and preparing budges for medications.
Training / Certifications
IN DEVELOPMENT
PROSTHETIC
MEDICAL CENTER INTERIOR DESIGN
MEDICAL SHARING
Healthcare provider who makes and fits braces and splints (orthoses). These are made for people who need added support for certain body parts. These body parts have been weakened by injury, disease, or disorders of the nerves, muscles, or bones. An orthotist works under a doctor's orders. They can adapt purchased braces or create custom-designed braces. Braces are often named for the body part they support, such as:
- AFO brace.
- KAFO brace
- Halo brace.
Training / Certifications
IN DEVELOPMENT
MEDICAL SHARING
MEDICAL CENTER INTERIOR DESIGN
MEDICAL SHARING
The VA/DoD Medical Sharing Office (MSO) serves to collaborate, facilitate, and sustain effective partnerships and mutually supportive relationships on all matters related to joint health care initiatives and activities between VHA and the Department of Defense (DoD), interacting principally with the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and TRICARE Health Plan. The office serves as the primary VHA liaison for all VHA/DoD joint sharing initiatives. MSO provides senior-level leadership and direction for the support and accomplishment of all healthcare related VHA/DoD JSP goals, objectives, strategies/milestones, and performance measures encompassing the use of medical resource sharing agreements. Sharing agreements provide a written structure to exchange clinical and non-clinical resources between VA and DoD medical facilities and are established to support increased patient access to medical services, promote improved efficiency by reducing duplication of services, and encourage the sharing of medical facility space. The MSO also has VA/TRICARE liaisons
Training / Certifications
IN DEVELOPMENT
MEDICAL CENTER INTERIOR DESIGN
MEDICAL CENTER INTERIOR DESIGN
MEDICAL CENTER INTERIOR DESIGN
The Interior Design Manual (IDM) will provide VA staff participating in the development of interior design projects with an understanding of their roles, responsibilities and the appropriate procedures for creating a comprehensive Interior Design environment.
Training / Certifications
IN DEVELOPMENT
AUS Training Manuals [SOP] VISN Curriculum Design
The Federal Government mandates that every agency maintain a standard operating procedure (SOP) for all aspects of its operations.
However, many of these SOPs were developed long before the advent of modern technology—and in some cases, even before the internet. Unfortunately, many have yet to be updated to address contemporary challenges.
Having a current, annually updated SOP manual for government operations simplifies workflows, reduces waste, and saves time. An SOP serves to centralize an agency's processes and methods while ensuring alignment with its mission and objectives.
Key elements that may be included in your manual are:
- Standard of Operations Manuals
- Careline Training Manuals
- Lessons Learned Manuals
- VA Acquisition Strategies
- Workplace Conflict Management
- Workplace Health and Safety
- Staff Recruitment Manuals
- Employment Processes
- Financial Management
- IT Operations
- Products and Services
- Customer Service
- Business Planning
- Reporting
- Purchasing
The VISN Group, LLC specializes in developing a wide range of operations and maintenance (O&M) manuals, including:
- Product installation and maintenance manuals
- Program and process backup and recovery manuals
- Software and data administration manuals
- Human resources and personnel manuals
- Help desk support manuals
- User manuals from manufacturers and suppliers
- Emergency and safety manuals
- Work assistance manuals
- Quick reference guides
Let us help ensure your organization is equipped with clear, updated documentation to enhance efficiency and compliance.