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Level I – General Education of Best-Value Concepts
Level I provides a general overview of best-value procurement and Information Measurement Theory (IMT) concepts. The educational session is used to provide a brief (2 hour) introduction to the best-value concepts behind the Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS). Level I serves to provide a general education, and does not train (nor is intended to train) individuals on the best-value process. This education is intended to inform individuals of the efficiency and success of IMT and PIPS. With this information, potential users can decided if they want training in IMT/PIPS. The cost of Level I Education is $1,500 for a group education (plus travel expenses).
Level II – Certified Training (14-Week Class) Begins November 14,2007
Level II Certification will cover the fundamental best-value concepts associated with Information Measurement Theory (IMT) and the Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS). This class will run for fourteen weeks, and will be split between in-class presentations and on-line video presentations (over the Internet). In-class presentations will be held on the University of Minnesota Campus (Minneapolis), or a nearby facility. The class will include a textbook, quizzes, exams, and homework assignments. Students must receive a “pass” grade to receive a “Certification of Training on Best-Value Procurement”. Individuals that pass the certification are expected to be capable of implementing the PIPS Best-Value process with minimal (to none) assistance from the PBSRG. The cost of the 14-Week Certification Class is $5,000 per student.
 View Level II Training Schedule
Level III – Pilot Project Education & Support
Level III provides users with education on implementing the PIPS Best-Value process on one (1) pilot project. The education and support includes:
- Preparing all best-value project documentation (including the RFP or RFQ)
- Preparing a project procurement schedule built around best-value activities
- Educating vendors on the best-value process
- Analyzing vendor past performance information (up to 1,000 surveys)
- Analyzing bid proposals
- Identifying the potential best-value vendor
- Weekly Reporting System (documenting unforeseen risks on a weekly basis)
Level III education is intended to provide education services only on a one-time basis. Users that choose to continue their best-value efforts must pass the certification exam outline in Level II (Level III Education/Support includes the Level II Education). The cost of Level III Education/Support is approximately $15,000-$35,000 (depending on the scope of the pilot project).
Level IV – Complete Program Implementation and Certification
Level IV offers a complete education and training package. This package is tailored to each user’s requirements, but generally includes education and training on implementing the PIPS Best-Value selection process on four projects. This includes the education and training functions outlined in Levels I, II, and III. This level of education/training is very similar to the University of Minnesota’s efforts to improve the efficiency and performance of their organization. After completing Level IV, the individuals who have been trained are also eligible for Level V Certification, which permits the individual to train other potential users of Best Value. Level IV also provides the user with five (5) seats to the Annual Best-Value Conference (held at ASU). Users will establish a long-term strategic plan on how to sustain the program (after education and training are complete). Users are expected to be able to maintain the PIPS Best-Value process with minimal (to none) assistance from the PBSRG at the conclusion of the pilot projects (bearing in mind that they must pass a certification exam). Level IV can also be utilized by a group of users who act as one user. This group must meet at a central location for all meetings, and each individual user must pass the certification exam to continue their best-value efforts. The cost of the Complete Program Implementation is approximately $75,000-$115,000 (depending on the scope of work).
Level V – Instructor Certification
Level V Instructor Certification is reserved for individuals who want to be certified as independent trainers / educators. This certification will allow individuals to train other groups/individuals on the PIPS Best-Value selection process. Level V certification requires:
- Level II certification. This can be accomplished by taking the class outlined in the Level II program, or by attending the annual Best Value conference at ASU. Either option requires that the individual pass the certification exam.
- Implementing the PIPS Best-Value process on a minimum of four (4) projects (one with assistance from the PBSRG, and three with the correct/complete documentation).
- Compile, maintain, and provide all documentation on the PIPS Best-Value tests to the PBSRG for verification.
Due to continuous improvements in the best-value process, Level V Certification requires certification renewals on a yearly basis. This is achieved by attending the annual Best Value Conference at ASU, and passing the yearly certification exam. The cost of the Instructor Certification is approximately $1,500 annually.
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