Registration in this program is restricted to U.S. Government civilian employees and U.S. military service members only.

Description: Security professionals tend to be narrowly focused within the realm of security while not always appreciating or engaging in the complexity and breadth of other issues that make the organization function. Often, the procurement of services or systems is an issue that drops off the table or is shuttled off to one or a small number of personnel within the security organization. As a result, many of the key procurement decision makers for security programs are either non-security professionals or are security leaders with a limited background in acquisition management, which often results in programs that do not meet desired goals or requirements. 

This course is divided into three distinct parts. The first part will cover the basics of the acquisition process. The second section will cover various security roles and responsibilities throughout the acquisition process. The final section will provide students with the opportunity to present a case study on a security acquisition issue/problem/concern. Consistent themes that will be addressed throughout the course include: 

• The key areas of the acquisition process and the interplay with security 
• The integration of security disciplines into the acquisition process 
• The inclusion of security requirements into classified and unclassified projects 
• Security considerations throughout the lifecycle of a system or service 
• Lessons learned from the procurement of security systems and services 

Textbooks: There is no charge for this course; however, there may be a need to purchase textbook(s) to support some of the reading and research requirements. Approximately 30 days before the semester start date, you will receive a welcome letter from CDSE which will include information on the required textbook(s) for this specific course. 

Delivery Method: Virtual Instructor-led Education (VILE) 

Length: 16 Weeks 

Target Audience: Restricted to U.S. military members and civilian Government employees. 
 
Clearance Requirement: N/A 
 
Number of Students per Course: 20 

Prerequisites: N/A 

Professional Development Units per SPēD: PDUs are determined by length of course and IAW current Certification Maintenance Guidelines. 
 
User Notes: This course requires students to complete weekly assignments including reading, research, and writing assignments like those required for a three semester-hour college or graduate-level course. Students must make a significant time commitment to complete these assignments. 

System Requirements: Check if your system is configured appropriately to use STEPP.

CDSE courses are intended for use by Department of Defense and other U.S. Government personnel and contractors within the National Industrial Security Program.