AFLCMC Focus Week returns July 26-30

  • Published
  • By K. Houston Waters
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is hosting the third Focus Week of 2021 from July 26-30.   

Dozens of courses are available, ranging from career and functional area-specific training, coaching, seminars, and personal development classes. Focus Week also provides an opportunity to earn continuous learning points.

“This quarter, we are beginning to phase some of the courses back to the classroom, so be mindful of the course location when registering,” said Jason Sibrel, AFLCMC Focus Week program manager. “For those interested in distance learning, there are numerous online classes available.”

Platforms include teleconferences, Defense Collaboration Services, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

A few courses on the schedule for acquisition professionals this quarter include: Artificial Intelligence 101, The Only Constant is Change: Keeping Fresh with the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, and Robotic Process 101.

For those interested in applying the benefits of artificial intelligence to the Air Force mission, Artificial Intelligence 101 is available on July 29. This virtual course will provide enrollees with a basic understanding of artificial intelligence, as well as its numerous applications in relevant center programs. Artificial Intelligence 101 is worth one continuous learning point.

The Only Constant is Change: Keeping Fresh with the Adaptive Acquisition Framework is a seminar for acquisition professionals that provides insight into the “ins” and “outs” of the framework, including updated Air Force and Department of Defense guidance. This virtual course is scheduled for July 26 and worth one and a half continuous learning points.

In Robotic Process Automation 101, instructors will share valuable tips for using software, like UiPath, that allows users to automate repetitive, high volume tasks in their office, like filling out forms and copying and pasting data. Suited for anyone interested in a smart solution, this course provides a number of useful resources. Robotic Process Automation is scheduled for July 26 and worth one continuous learning point.

Aside from the functional-area-specific courses, AFLCMC Focus Week offers several career and personal development training opportunities. Examples include USAJOBS/Resume Writing/How to Interview/Jobs Board Block Training, How to Write SMART Standards for Employees, and AcqDemo for Employees.

USAJOBS/Resume Writing/How to Interview/Jobs Board Block Training combines multiple training topics into a single training session. From the application to the interview, facilitators provide enrollees with key skills necessary to assist them with pursuing career opportunities and advancement. Designed for anyone seeking to improve their career, this course is scheduled for July 30 and worth two continuous learning points.

For government civilian employees, two courses are available to assist with annual performance appraisals. For those using the Department of Defense Performance Management and Appraisal Program, or DPMAP, How to Write SMART Standards for Employees is a two hour virtual session in which participants review the DPMAP performance management process, identify the characteristics of elements and standards, and learn how to write SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) standards. The course will also prepare students for performance evaluation conversations with their supervisor. Hosted via Zoom, this course is scheduled for July 29 and worth two continuous learning points.

DOD Civilian Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project, or AcqDemo, for Employees will provide enrollees with details on program flexibilities, compensation strategies, processes, and program support tools. AcqDemo for Employees is also scheduled for July 29, but worth three continuous learning points.

Course registration is available for all military, civilian, and most contractor personnel, as long as the contract allows for the attendance of training and the course is open to all, said Sibrel. 

For a full list of courses and step-by-step instructions on how to register, visit the Focus Week course catalog by clicking here.

Registration for all AFLCMC Focus Week courses is available on the Acquisition Now Continuous Learning website.  

For questions or concerns, contact Sibrel at Jason.Sibrel@us.af.mil