I have been in the Acquisition arena now for six years and have had a blast with learning the things that I have come across. I have been involved with a few interesting procurements, none of which required the use of a FAC–C-DS. I can only imagine the knowledge with having ascertained the FAC-C-DS will catapult my learning and involvement into a different realm of contracting. Understanding that in 2012 the roadmap to help agencies improve digital services and use emerging technologies was released along with the Digital Service Playbook in 2014, I think the future is bright and certainly a way ahead for agencies to follow. I see myself as being a leader in the field of Digital IT Contracting, somewhat of a “go to” person within my agency. As I continually build upon my sphere of influence, I see my network growing stronger and wider as the future takes shape. FAC-C-DS certification is relatively new and there are not a great deal of professionals that actually have this certification, therefore ascertaining this certification makes one somewhat of a rarity at this point, consequently we can be and are important to the process as true change agents to our respective agencies. How important do you believe a person with a FAC-C-DS certification can be within your agency? Do you believe the agile process only applies to Software development or can it be applied in other manners? How would you welcome a FAC-C-DS holder trying to introduce change within your agency?
As far as my agency and its realization of the government’s digital transformation mission, I see my agency in the middle of not fully embracing the change and not fully understanding the change. I see change being a bit challenging because of the “Old Guard” holding true to what have become their pet projects and the brand in which their names and reputations may be associated. I also see risk as being a great concern for some within my agency when it comes to meeting the digital transformation mission. However, we have re-organized and have fresh new blood at the highest levels and are beginning to invite change with open arms. I think my agency will adhere to the governments realization mission in due time. As we all know most change is difficult, however as with most change when properly introduced it becomes less resistant and more inquisitive.
Conversations must be had to keep the transformation mission up front in the minds of the key players and decision makers. My agency is underway with a very large re-facing effort of the way we currently do business and are meeting some of the digital transformation objectives of doing business. That being said, it is a start to the change process, I believe after a few successful acquisitions are under our belts change will be embraced at a much greater rate. Within my agency as with most if not all, education and proper implementation is the cornerstone to introducing change. What are some of the pitfalls you may see in implementing the digital transformation mission within your agency? How relevant is fear of losing control of the wheel within your agency?
As a FAC-C-DS certified acquisition professional I plan to use my talents and strengths to bring the agency’s future to fruition by educating my agency on the benefits of meeting the governments transformation goals as well mitigating risk by identifying successful acquisition that have taken place. Having being selected to participate in such a program as DITAP and receiving the support of my agency in doing so, I am expected to show the added value based on the confidence my agency has shown in me by supporting me during this entire endeavor. As a FAC-C-DS certified professional i.e. a change agent, I will explain the value of the change(s) with passion and conviction. I also plan to use my talent to stand up front to allow blame to be placed on me if and when things don’t go as planned. This is a form of risk reduction that can and will provide comfort and assurance to others by letting them know that the change agent is in the process right along with them and willing to take responsibility not only when things go off correctly, but if and when there is a hitch in the process as well. How would you use the talents and strengths of a certified acquisition professional within your agency? How important do you believe education and implementation are within the realm of change?
Digital IT Acquisition Professional (DITAP) Program Blog 