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AUS Certification Levels
AUS Certification Levels — Incentives & Career Ladder Integration
Earning the expert-level Acquisition Utilization Specialist (AUS) certification positions you second only to the contracting official within VA contracting environments. This certification strengthens your individual performance while elevating standards across the profession as a whole.
The AUS Certification Levels framework provides a tiered professional development pathway that not only validates mastery of federal acquisition competencies but also serves as the foundation for career progression and organizational incentives. Each certification level—ranging from Level 1 foundational proficiency through Level 3 advanced practice, Subject Matter Expert (SME), and Supervisory corresponds to clearly defined skill sets, duties, and measurable performance outcomes consistent with VA acquisition requirements.
At the career entry and developmental stages (Level 1 & Level 2), AUS certifications offer structured benchmarks tied to measurable metrics such as completion rates, regulatory assessment scores, and applied acquisition tasks (e.g., pre-award package preparation, market research, cost estimates). Achieving Level 1 and Level 2 certifications signals readiness for progressively complex assignments and contributes to targeted incentives, including eligibility for expanded responsibilities, performance awards, and prioritization for internal detail assignments. Progression metrics such as reduced onboarding time, increased accuracy in procurement documentation, and faster task turnaround rates are tracked to demonstrate tangible workforce improvement.
At the advanced and expert tiers (Level 3, SME, and Supervisory), the certification structure aligns with career ladder objectives and leadership incentives. Certification holders at these levels demonstrate advanced capabilities—such as formal source selection roles, in-depth FAR/VAAR application, contract administration mastery, and complex acquisition planning—which are measurable through performance indicators like quality assurance surveillance plans implemented, compliance audit outcomes, and mentorship contributions. These advanced certifications serve as criteria for higher-level promotions, inclusion in strategic acquisition teams, and eligibility for incentive pay differentials or recognition programs.
Additionally, the Mastery and Supervisor certifications integrate leadership requirements and long-term career development pathways, including VISN Project Management Certification, COR Level 2 duties, and specialization in multiple care lines. Metrics tied to these certifications include demonstrated ability to lead acquisition strategy development, oversee enterprise-wide contract execution, and mentor junior AUS staff—each of which supports organizational goals such as reduced procurement errors, improved contract performance outcomes, and strengthened workforce retention.
By structuring AUS certification levels as a career ladder with built-in incentives and measurable outcomes, the program promotes a highly capable, motivated, and mission-aligned acquisition workforce that directly supports VISN and VA performance objectives.
Foundational Skills, Knowledge and Abilities of all VISN Certification holders:
1) Serves as acquisition liaison and advisor on contract related services focusing on critical clinical and healthcare services, product acquisition and support services
2) Renders expert contract "pre-award and post-award expertise" to all Administrative and Clinical Services lines within the VA Healthcare System and supported catchment areas.
Introduction level 1 in the following VA Systems:
FORCE, IFCAP, ECMS, PD2, SHAREPOINT, PROGNET, Acquisition Knowledge Portal (AKP).
CLP POINTS - 80
CERTIFICATION VALID - 2 YEARS
AUS [Level 1] Certification Module consist of the following elements:
* This certification is best suited for those procuring / supporting the Commodities, IT, and Prosthetics Carelines, and or requirements procured under the SAT.
**Successfully completed all elements of the AUS foundational learning elements.
Level 1 Certification
FAR / VAAR Training
Parts 1- 4: General Knowledge
Parts 5–12: Competition and Acquisition Planning
Case Law Lev 1
Intro to VA GAO Caselaw - Legal Research
AUS LEV 1 Task
o VA /Pre-Award Package Development
o VA Procurement Checklist Management
o VA Full-Service Market Research Documentation
o Cost Estimation [IGCE] & Proper Categorization Identity
o FAR Justification - understanding, use, and application
o VA Source Selection Technical Evaluation Writer
o VA Case Law -Kingdomware Impact Training
o Contract Types & Usages
o Intro to Project Management
o Intro FAR 6,8,12,13 Training & Understanding
o Entry Lev knowledge of SOW’s, PWS’s & SOO, PD
o Certified in the use of VA-Federal Supply Schedule (VA FSS)
Acquisition Utilization Specialist- Level 2
AUS [Level 2] Certification Module consist of the following elements:
* This certification is best suited for those procuring / supporting the Facility Support & IT, Medical Services and/or Medical Sharing carelines, where the majority of the requirements value exceed the SAT to $1Mil.
**Conducts analysis and recommends courses of actions to ensure that clinical and administrative service requirements have addressed considerations such as construction, budgeting, supporting manpower and other factors
**Develops and conducts presentations/recommendations to leadership and other stakeholders to explain regulations and procedures.
**Successfully completed all elements of AUS Level 1 Certification
FAR / VAAR TRAINING
o Parts 13 - 18: Contracting Methods and Types
o Parts 19 - 26: Socioeconomic Programs
o Parts 27 - 33: Contracting Requirements (Cost Principles)
Case Law
Legal Research and Supportive Writing Lev 2
AUS Level 1 Training Elements & Certification +
o Standardization Caselaw Research and Writing using the IRAC Method
o VA Procurement Checklist Construction
o Cost Estimation [IGCE] & Proper Categorization Developer
o Scope Developer / Supplies-Services
o Sources Selection Technical Evaluator
o Writing Technical Evaluations
o FAR Justification Writing
o Develop Quality Assurance Surveillance plans
o Termination FAR 13
o CPARS Writing and Regulations
o VISN Project Management
o Contract Options Consideration
o Introduction to Acquisition Strategies
Acquisition Utilization Specialist - Level 3
* This certification is best suited for those procuring / supporting the Construction, A/E Facility Support carelines, where the majority of the requirements value exceed $1Mil.
**Negotiates performance requirements among multiple sites and service lines in order to obtain agreement, standardize enterprise equipment, supply and/or service requirements in support of strategic acquisition plans.
**Establishes and maintains controls to ensure that contracts are executed in accordance with terms.
**Advises on all phases of negotiation with the contract specialist/contracting officer for contract modifications, change orders, supplemental agreements and delivery order processes including requirements, definition, justification and approval for service contract extension, method of contracting, evaluation of proposals and all phases of contract administration; and
**Monitors quality assurance surveillance plans to ensure that contracted services meet the expectations and needs of the facility.
*** Successfully completed all elements of AUS Level 2 Certification
FAR / VAAR TRAINING
o Parts 34 - 41: Special Categories
o Parts 42 - 51: Contract Management
o Legal Research and Writing
o Post Award Package Development
Case Law
o Legal Research and Supportive Writing Lev 3
AUS Level 2 Training Elements & Certification +
- COR level 2 duties & responsibilities
- Cost Estimation [IGCE] -Construction / Leasing
- In depth FAR 15 Training
- In depth FAR / VAAR Usage & Application
- Skilled in fulfilling all applicable formal Source Selection roles
- Skilled in the procedures, uses and management of the Post Award Contract Modification process.
- COR Level 2
- Skilled in Government Credit Card Management
OR
- Carry at least 1 Specialty Certifications
[2] Specialty supportive classes
Supervisor [Mastery] Acquisition Utilization Specialist
[Mastery Level] Certification Module consist of the following elements:
*Serves in Leadership Role
*AUS Level 1,2,3 Certifications
· Certified in the application use of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations [VAAR]
· Certified in Guidance and Procedures regarding use of Tiered Evaluations (Cascading)
· Certified in VA- Project Labor Agreements Guidance
· COR Level 2 duties & responsibilities
· Held a Contracting Warrant or served as a authorized official
** Holds VISN Project Management Certification
**Certified in a min of [1] VA -AUS Careline Specialist foe more than 8 yrs
Current Specialties Include
· Construction / AE
· Contract Management
· Medical Center Interior Design
· Medical Sharing
· Logistics
· Facility Management
· Environmental Management
* VA Case Law Specialist
* Construction Estimator
Acquisition Utilization Specialist [SME]
* This certification is best suited for those procuring / supporting the Construction, A/E, Leasing, where the majority of the requirements value exceed $5Mil.
Successfully completed all elements of AUS Level 3+SME Certifications
Acquisition Planning
- Develop acquisition schedules, project plans, Statements of Objectives (SOO), and Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE).
- Conduct market research and draft acquisition alternative documents.
- Design Acquisition Strategy Plans, Source Selection Plans, solicitation documents, and evaluation criteria.
Source Selection
- Organize due diligence activities and meetings.
- Assist with the evaluation of offeror proposals.
- Develop Technical Evaluation Reports, Cost/Price Evaluation Reports, and Best Value Recommendations.
Contract Administration
- Provide acquisition advice as required.
- Request contract modifications or performance extensions.
- Conduct performance-monitoring activities.
Contract Closeout
- Perform all necessary tasks to close out contracts in compliance with FAR, VAAR, and CFR requirements.
- Prepare final modifications, establish indirect rates, and manage fund obligations and de-obligations.
- Develop and manage databases to monitor acquisition data and closeout activity.
Specialized Skills
Our professionals bring extensive experience in:
- Contract-related services, product acquisition, and procurement within healthcare environments.
- Overseeing pre-award and post-award contract phases.
- Preparing procurement packages with complex, unique, or emergent requirements, including:
- Performance Work Statements (PWS) and SOOs.
- Cost-benefit and gap analyses.
- Sole-source justifications.
- Market research and past performance evaluations.
- Negotiating across all contract phases and monitoring expenditures for compliance with contract terms.
Individual Capabilities
- Conducting Market Research
- Developing Acquisition Strategies and Plans
- Facilitating and participating in IPTs
- Providing Cost and Pricing Support
- Drafting IGCEs, SOWs, PWSs, and SOOs
- Planning and Supporting Industry Days
- Preparing Solicitations, RFPs, and RFQs
- Offering Source Selection Evaluation Assistance
- Administering Contracts, Modifications, and Negotiations
- Monitoring Performance and Contractor Burn Rates
- Processing Invoices and Managing Surveillance
- Performing Contract Closeout Activities
- In depth FAR 15 Training
- In depth FAR / VAAR Usage & Application VISN COR level 2 duties & responsibilities
System Expertise
Our team members are proficient in:
- FORCE
- IFCAP
- ECMS
- PD2
- SharePoint
- PROGNET
- Acquisition Knowledge Portal (AKP)
Case Law
o Legal Research and Supportive Writing Lev 3