This volume offers practical guidance on writing and preparing a description of government requirements, whether the document used is a statement of work (SOW), a performance work statement (PWS), or a statement of objectives (SOO). This description specifies exactly what good and services are being purchased, including their quality, requirements, quantity, and schedule for delivery, and also defines the relationship between the government and the contractor. From an overview of the elements that make a good SOW, to the methods for changing an SOW to meet new conditions, this is a hands-on resource for every government manager who is involved with contracts.

The ability to write well correlates highly with the ability to think well—to analyze information, weigh alternatives, and make decisions. Government managers must make instructions and policies clear to employees, give effective presentations, and communicate effectively with the public. In addition, government managers must model clear, effective writing for their staffs. A comprehensive chapter on using social media effectively and appropriately is included.

This realistic cross-section of the project management discipline in the federal arena will help anyone leading, working on, or affecting the direction of a project team. It covers the entire scope of project management from organization to methodology, technology to leadership. This volume focuses on the three project management organizational dimensions of culture, systems, and structure. Federal practices and successes in the areas of communication, project leadership, stakeholders, and key competencies are highlighted. The book offers clear and practical advice drawn from a variety of project management successes in the federal arena.

This practical volume offers clear and helpful guidance on the laws governing federal contracts. From information on the types of contracts used in government to ways to interpret those contracts, the book covers the basics that every government manager needs to know. Information on complying with ethics requirements in general, and in the solicitation process and contract administration in particular, is especially pertinent. The author also explains the government manager's liability both to the government and to the public. This book covers all the aspects of contract law that every government manager should know to be both effective and in compliance.

This volume presents practical guidance for the government manager on earned value management (EVM), from basic calculations to how to find the most useful information online. Emphasis is on the relevant reports that contractors are required to submit to the federal government as part of their compliance with mandated EVM on projects. Because the data submitted on reports do not translate automatically into recommendations for actions to be taken, information is included on how to analyze and evaluate contractor reports. This book is a must-read for understanding EVM on government projects.

Building and leading teams that ensure project success may not be easy, but the techniques involved are straightforward and workable. Lisa DiTullio demonstrates that enhancing team dynamics to improve performance in the federal environment does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. Her time-tested best practices, tips, and processes will help any government manager develop and lead a better team.

To be effective, every government manager must have a working knowledge of the source selection process. Even the most carefully crafted contract cannot repair the adverse mission impact of making a poor source selection decision. This accessible guide provides the framework you need. Its practical approach and concise presentation make it to the go-to resource on source selection for busy government managers.

Every year the US federal government will spend roughly 100 billion dollars through competitive IDIQ (Indefinite Duration Indefinite Quantity) contracts. When you add in contracts awarded by State governments and commercial organizations using very similar processes you’re looking at 700 billion dollars’ worth of business. Getting a slice of that pie depends on how well you manage the contracting project. This is because IDIQs are essentially empty contract structures which then require a second round of winning task orders. For contracts with the government, this two-step structure which is specified in law and regulation, has specific pitfalls and opportunities which are rarely the subject of contract and project management training. Salesky’s coaching style talks you through the specific challenges in the startup, management, and closing of the IDIQ. This book gives a pragmatic and best-practice description of the entire life cycle of this type of contract offering you the “inside advisor” you need to help you through the pragmatics issues of clients’, performers’, and bosses’ expectations.

With all the recent changes in state and local government audit and accounting, including changes to some of the more complex areas such as pensions and post-employment benefits other than pensions (OPEB), accountants and financial managers can't afford to be without the most current guidance. This authoritative guide provides complete coverage of audit and accounting considerations critical for both preparers and auditors. This edition includes two new schedules: Governmental Employer Participation in Single-Employer Plans: Illustrative Schedule of Pension Amounts and Report; and, Illustrative Notes to Schedule of Employer Allocations and Schedule of Pension Amounts. It also provides insights, comparisons, and best practices for financial reporting and the financial reporting entity, revenue and expense recognition, capital asset accounting, the elements of net position, accounting for fair value, municipal securities offerings, tax abatements and much more.