Buy Commercial Series
A two-course training series covering both ways the federal government acquires commercial products and services.
The Buy Commercial Series gives acquisition professionals a clear, practical framework for choosing the right acquisition pathway and executing it correctly—based on the nature of the requirement.
CSO-based acquisition
Traditional FAR Part 12
commercial procurement
2 PATHS
The Two Pathways of Commercial Acquisition
Federal agencies acquire commercial products and services through two distinct pathways. The Buy Commercial Series teaches both—clearly and coherently.
Pathway 1: CSO-Based Acquisition
Used when agency needs are clear, but the solution is not fully defined.
- Solicitation method: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
- Industry proposes commercial solutions, not compliance-driven proposals
- Selection is based on agency needs and stated selection criteria
- The resulting award may be:
- an Other Transaction (OT), or
- a FAR Part 12 commercial contract
Aligned with Executive Order 14265 — Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base
EO 14265 — Modernizing Defense Acquisitions
This Executive Order directs agencies to:
- Use CSOs to access commercial and nontraditional suppliers
- Reduce barriers created by overly prescriptive requirements
- Focus on evaluating solutions rather than mandating designs
- Use flexible award approaches, including OTs and FAR Part 12 contracts
These requirements are addressed in Course 1: Acquisition of Innovative Solutions (AIS).
Pathway 2: Traditional FAR Part 12 Acquisition
Used when requirements are defined and the agency conducts a standard commercial procurement.
- FAR-based RFQ or RFP
- Defined requirements and evaluation factors
- Commercial pricing and customary terms
- Award is a FAR Part 12 contract
Aligned with Executive Order 14271 — Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions in Federal Contracts
EO 14271 — Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions
This Executive Order reinforces the government’s obligation to:
- Increase effective use of FAR Part 12
- Prefer commercial products and services when available
- Align contract terms with customary commercial practice
- Improve acquisition efficiency and pricing outcomes
These requirements are addressed in Course 2: FAR Part 12 Commercial Acquisition.
Agencies must be proficient in both pathways.
The Buy Commercial Series teaches them together, without confusion.
Why Agencies Need This Training
Recent Executive Orders place direct expectations on how agencies acquire commercial products and services.
Together, these Executive Orders make it essential that acquisition professionals understand both CSO-based acquisition and traditional FAR Part 12 procurement—and when each is appropriate.
2 COURSES
Course 1: Acquisition of Innovative Solutions (AIS)
AIS focuses on CSOs as a solicitation method and the decisions that follow.
Participants learn how to:
- Describe capability gaps in plain language
- Structure and issue Commercial Solutions Openings
- Develop suitable selection criteria aligned with agency needs
- Develop streamlined selection procedures appropriate for CSOs
- Select among competing commercial solutions
- Determine whether the award should be:
- an Other Transaction, or
- a FAR Part 12 contract
- Identify required and negotiable terms for each award type
Course 2: FAR Part 12 — Traditional Commercial Acquisition
This course focuses on standard FAR Part 12 procurement using defined requirements.
Participants learn how to:
- Apply commercial product and service definitions
- Determine when FAR Part 12 applies
- Develop FAR-based RFQs and RFPs
- Select appropriate evaluation factors
- Evaluate commercial pricing
- Apply required clauses and tailor FAR 52.212-4
- Negotiate FAR Part 12 commercial contracts
DELIVERY OPTIONS
Virtual Delivery
- Delivered as five interactive sessions
- Scenario-based instruction with facilitated discussion
- Well suited for geographically dispersed teams
In-Person Delivery
- Delivered onsite over 2.5 days
- Focused, small-group instruction
- Flat-rate pricing includes instructor travel
PRICING
Private Agency Delivery
- $15,000 per course
- $25,000 for both courses (Buy Commercial Series bundle)
Pricing includes all instruction and course materials.
Open enrollment options are also available.
Prepare Your Workforce to Buy Commercial Solutions Effectively
The Buy Commercial Series prepares acquisition professionals to comply with EO 14265 and EO 14271 by mastering both CSO-based acquisition and traditional FAR Part 12 commercial procurement.