Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA)

The Acquisition Internship School

The award-winning Acquisition Internship School (AIS) offers two training programs for those with an interest in pursuing a career in federal acquisitions. Both programs are cohort-based holistic programs designed to prepare participants for entry level federal contract specialist positions in the VA and other federal agencies. Founded in 2008, AIS has created many innovative practices which have allowed our graduates to thrive in their careers.

The redesigned program is approximately 11 months in length offering participants a hybrid training approach, consisting of approximately 50% Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) and 50% in-person training at the VA Acquisition Academy in Frederick, MD. Participants travel to Frederick, MD on government travel orders. The AIP includes formal instruction in contracting, our unique experiential learning lab skill-building workshops, professional development, and on-the-job training (OJT –approximately 60% of the program time) interspersed throughout the program. Other elements include guest speakers to share industry insights to increase employee engagement. At the conclusion of each classroom training block, interns return to an acquisition organization for on-the-job training to apply what they learned in the classroom. Interns return to the VA acquisition workforce more competent and confident after each training block to have an immediate positive impact on their organization’s workload. Interns graduating from the program satisfy all educational requirements for Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Professional. Requires a signed Mobility Statement.

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