Certification Urged For Acquisition Workforce The Office of Management and Budget is pushing a new certification program for acquisition personnel in civilian agencies in an effort to upgrade their skills make it easier for them to move from one job to another. OMB said the program is patterned after the Defense Department’s certification requirements. It is not mandatory for current contracting personnel, classified as GS-1102, but will be required for all employees who are issued a new Contracting Officer’s warrant after Jan. 1, 2007. To earn certification, employees will have to complete training through the Defense Acquisition University or the Federal Acquisition Institute. The certification program establishes three levels, based on training and experience. The initiative is a response to calls from inside and outside government for improvement in the skills of the acquisition workforce.