Training on the Go - iTunes University

The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) provides formal classroom courses and continuous learning modules to help the Defense acquisition workforce develop and manage acquisition programs, projects, and systems. The University operates and offers formal classroom courses out of several regional locations but also offers courses on-line (continuous learning environment). These courses cover the full range of contract management including cost analysis, EVMS, FAR, rates, terminations, market research, indirect costs, to name a very few. The courses, including the on-line course are generally restricted to Government personnel.

However, some of DAU's offerings are now available through iTunes University. To get there, open the iTunes Store and search for "Defense Acquisition University" or drill down through the menu system. There are about 40 offerings at present with plans to add more. All of them are free.

The materials posted to iTunes University by DAU are not comprehensive in nature although we found a couple of nuggets; one on EVMS which provides good overview of what is required and another on COR (Contracting Officer Representative) duties and functions. Many of them are too narrowly focused to be useful for generalized training needs. Also, audio and video quality are not the greatest.

So, the next time you travel, load up your iPod/iPad with some DAU training material and redeem some of the "downtime".