Our Story: Why I built Acqlerate after failing to answer a question about my own program Read our story →
Whiteboard diagram of the four phases of a defense program: BD, Capture, Proposal, and Execution
For defense contractor PMs, BD leads, and capture managers

Built for the people doing the work.
Not the people writing about it.

There’s no shortage of AI tools, federal databases, and contract vehicles in defense acquisition. The gap is the foundation underneath them. Acqlerate teaches you the acquisition system in plain English, PM side or BD side, so when you pick up the tools, the data, and the regulations, you actually know what you’re doing with them.

Start Free → No experience required
14
Modules
122
Lessons
3
Skill Levels
AI ✦
Study Assistant
✓Understand how DoD programs are funded, contracted, and run, before your first review
✓Know contract types, CPARS, source selection, and what the government is actually evaluating
✓Built by a practicing DoD PM who ran a $950M program. Plain English, real examples, no textbook fluff
✓ Sent to your inbox. Or grab it now: USG Edition · Contractor Edition
Why it matters

Most defense professionals learn acquisition
the hard way. You don't have to.

A new PM who doesn't understand contract types, color of money, or how the COR relationship works will make expensive mistakes. Slowly. On the job. At the program's expense. Nobody puts that part in the job posting. Acqlerate closes that gap before it costs you.

For program managers
Understand the system, not just the rulebook
Contract types, funding constraints, oversight relationships, risk management. This is the context that turns someone who just updates a spreadsheet into someone the team actually listens to.
For new hires
Go from confused to contributing in weeks, not a year
A structured 30 day path through the DoD acquisition landscape. So new hires stop asking the same question in three different meetings and start actually adding value.
For capture & BD
Write to what the government actually scores, not just what you know
Understanding source selection, Section M, and contract vehicles from the buyer's side is what separates the proposal that wins from the one that just looks nice in a binder.
For the whole team
One platform. Every role. No scheduling.
Learning built around each role, with an AI study assistant on call. People learn between meetings, on a flight, whenever works, and they actually finish it this time.
From the curriculum
For the Defense Acquisition Workforce

Earn CLPs you're already required to get.

Defense Acquisition Workforce members must earn 80 Continuous Learning Points every two years. Every completed Acqlerate module counts, and comes with a signed Certificate of Completion you can self-report in your WarU learning portal.

No waiting for a class to be scheduled. No travel. No block of time off your calendar. You earn CLPs while you actually learn something useful.

✓ Self-reportable as External Training in CAPPMIS, eDACM & FAITAS
✓ Maps to PM, Contracting (CON), and BFM functional areas
✓ Certificate includes module name, date, hours, and DAWIA functional area mapping
✓ Over 44 CLPs total across all 14 modules
CLP Breakdown
1 hour of instruction = 1 CLP
DoD Acquisitions Foundations 2.1 CLPs
Defense Finance & Budgeting 4.0 CLPs
Defense Contracting Fundamentals 4.1 CLPs
Data Analytics for PMs 2.9 CLPs
Capture Management & BD 1.6 CLPs
PM Operations & Leadership 1.8 CLPs
The Business of Defense Contracting 4.2 CLPs
Small Business in Defense Contracting 3.9 CLPs
The Compliance Stack 4.0 CLPs
Government Pre-Award Process 4.0 CLPs
Beyond Award: Sustainment & Closeout 3.2 CLPs
The Startup On-Ramp 3.0 CLPs
Veteran Transition 2.5 CLPs
Why the Rules Exist 2.5 CLPs
Total (all 14 modules) 43.8 CLPs

Self-reportable in CAPPMIS (Army), eDACM (Navy/Marine/AF), and FAITAS (Civilian). Certificate includes DAWIA functional area mapping.

Defense acquisition team collaborating in a secure facility
Who It’s For

Three paths. One thing in common:
they show up prepared.

Whether you’re on the government side, the contractor side, or making the switch — Acqlerate meets you where you are.

🏢
The Contractor PM
You're in a PM or PM-track role at a defense contractor. You need to understand how DoD programs are funded, how contracts work, what CPARS means for your next award, and how to think like the government customer you're serving.
Contractor PM Deputy PM Program Analyst BD Professional
🚀
The Career Changer
You're transitioning from military service or another industry and targeting a PM role at a defense contractor. You need a clear on-ramp — not a 400-page regulation and not a $2,000 classroom course.
Veterans Military Transition Industry Switchers New Hires
🏛️
The DoD Professional
You're a civilian or military officer managing programs and want to sharpen your PM, finance, and contracting knowledge — or you're a government side professional who wants to understand how your contractor partners think.
Government PM Contracting Specialist COR Financial Manager
Curriculum

Fourteen modules. 123 lessons. The complete acquisition picture.

Start with how the system works, then go as deep as your job requires: contractor finance, small business, compliance, the government pre-award process, sustainment, the startup on-ramp, veteran transition, and why the rules exist at all. Every lesson has three depth levels, key terms, a twelve-question quiz, and a module assessment that unlocks the next level. Module 1 is completely free.

01
DoD Acquisitions Foundations FREE
  • Acquisition lifecycle
  • ACAT levels
  • Roles & career paths
  • OTAs & FAR Part 12
02
Defense Finance & Budgeting
  • PPBE cycle
  • Color of money
  • EVM
  • Cost estimating
  • DCAA & DCMA
03
Defense Contracting Fundamentals
  • Contract types
  • GSA vehicles
  • Source selection
  • COR fundamentals
  • Modifications & REAs
04
Data Analytics for PMs
  • Program KPIs
  • Reading IPMR reports
  • Cost reports by CLIN
  • Burn forecasting
  • FPDS & USASpending intel
05
Capture Management & BD
  • BD to capture lifecycle
  • Section L vs M
  • Proposal development
  • Source selection strategy
06
PM Operations & Leadership
  • Career roadmap
  • Risk management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Subcontractor management
07
The Business of Defense Contracting
  • Revenue recognition & EAC
  • Why Q3 was bad
  • Pass-through vs value-add
  • Backlog & book-to-bill
  • Reading a prime's 10-K
08
Small Business in Defense Contracting
  • Size standards & NAICS
  • 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB
  • Limitations on subcontracting
  • Affiliation
  • Mentor-protégé & JVs
09
The Compliance Stack
  • CMMC & DFARS 7012
  • CUI and classified
  • ITAR & export controls
  • Data rights & IP
  • TINA, Buy American, SCA
10
From Need to RFP: Government Pre-Award
  • Acquisition planning
  • Market research
  • Writing the PWS
  • The IGCE
  • J&As and D&Fs
11
Beyond Award: Sustainment & Closeout
  • O&S cost
  • Test & evaluation
  • Software pathway & agile
  • Terminations & transition
  • Options and bridges
12
The Startup On-Ramp
  • SBIR/STTR through Phase III
  • Other Transactions
  • DIU, AFWERX & CSOs
  • The valley of death
  • Pricing without a cost history
13
Veteran Transition
  • Translating your record
  • USAJOBS & hiring authorities
  • The contractor path
  • Your clearance as an asset
  • SDVOSB and the revolving door
14
Why the Rules Exist
  • Where the FAR came from
  • CICA and the $435 hammer
  • TINA, CAS & DCAA
  • Program failures & Nunn-McCurdy
  • The 2026 FAR rewrite
How It Works

Designed for how acquisition professionals actually learn

Not a passive video course. Built around how defense contractor PMs actually learn — role-filtered curriculum, real program examples, and an AI assistant that explains things the way a mentor would.

🎯
Personalized Path
Answer 3 quick questions about your role and goals. Acqlerate builds a custom learning path — primary modules first, bonus content available when you want it.
📚
Three Skill Levels
Every module has Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced content. Pass the gate assessment (75%) to unlock the next tier and demonstrate mastery.
🤖
AI Study Assistant
Every lesson has an AI button. Ask it to explain the concept like you're 5, or how to apply it as a PM. Powered by Gemini 2.5 Flash — instant, plain-language answers.
✅
Quizzes & XP
Multi-format quizzes after every lesson. Earn XP, track your level, and see your progress across every module. The dashboard always shows your next lesson.
Built to stick, not just to finish

You won't forget you started this one.

Most training platforms are built to be finished once. Acqlerate is built to be opened daily — a streak that tracks your progress, a level that goes up as you learn, and a way to earn free Pro access just by sharing it.

🔥
Daily Streaks
A short daily challenge keeps your streak alive. Hit 7 days and you've unlocked a habit, not just a badge.
⚡
XP & Levels
Every lesson and quiz earns XP. Your level climbs across all 14 modules, so progress is always visible — not buried in a completion percentage.
🎁
Refer & Earn Pro
Every account gets a referral link. Get enough colleagues signed up and Acqlerate gives you a year of Pro access, free.
Free — No Account Required

The Acquisition Intel Blog

Real insights on defense acquisitions, budget changes, and career strategy — no fluff, no paywalls, no login required.

Browse All 50+ Posts →
New posts every Tuesday & Saturday
50+ articles published. Always free. No account needed.
Browse All 50+ Articles →
For PMP Holders

Earn Up to 44 PMI PDUs

Every Acqlerate lesson counts as Self-Paced Online Learning. Log them directly in PMI CCRS (the PMI certification portal), with no pre-approval needed. 1 hour = 1 PDU (Professional Development Unit).

Talent Triangle AreaPDUsCoverage
Business Acumen 29.8 9 modules
Ways of Working 11.0 4 modules
Power Skills 3.4 2 modules
Total Available ~44.2 PDUs total
How to Log
  1. 1Complete lessons on Acqlerate
  2. 2Note total time in your PDU tracker
  3. 3Go to pmlearning.pmi.org
  4. 4Log as Online or Digital Media → Self-Paced
Full PDU guide →
~44
PDUs with full Pro access
Enough to clear the 35 Education PDU minimum on its own. Business Acumen and Ways of Working each pass the 8 PDU per-area bar; top Power Skills up elsewhere.
Start Earning PDUs Free → Learn more about PDUs →
Curriculum Standards

Built on the official blueprints.
Not someone's interpretation of them.

Acqlerate's curriculum is mapped to the authoritative DoD frameworks that define what acquisition professionals are actually required to know. We didn't make up the topics — we built to the standard.

DoD DPCAP · Nov 2024
DoD Contracting Competency Model

The official competency framework for the DoD contracting community — covering the full contract lifecycle from pre-award planning through solicitation, source selection, award, administration, and closeout.

Acqlerate modules aligned:
→ Defense Contracting Fundamentals — contract lifecycle, solicitation, source selection, administration, modifications, REAs
→ Capture Management & BD — solicitation development, evaluation criteria, proposal compliance, source selection from buyer perspective
View the official framework →
OPM / USD A&S · DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act)
Contracting Specialist Professional Standards & DAWIA Functional Areas

The qualification standard and functional area competencies for DoD acquisition workforce members — spanning Program Management (PM), Contracting (CON), and Business Financial Management (BFM).

Acqlerate modules aligned:
→ DoD Acquisitions Foundations — acquisition lifecycle, ACAT levels, roles (PM · CO · COR · DCMA), OTAs, FAR Part 12
→ Defense Finance & Budgeting — PPBE, appropriations law, EVM, cost estimating, DCAA oversight (BFM functional area)
→ PM Operations & Leadership — risk management, stakeholder communication, program reviews (PM functional area)
Transparency
What "mapped to" means — and what it doesn't

Acqlerate is not an accredited institution and is not affiliated with WarU, DoD, or any government agency. "Mapped to" means our curriculum covers the same knowledge domains these frameworks define — not that we have formal approval from these bodies.

DAW members self-report Acqlerate training as External Training in their portal. The frameworks above define what the acquisition workforce must know. Acqlerate teaches it — in plain English, at your pace, with a Certificate of Completion for your records.

Aligned to: DoD Contracting Competency Model (Nov 2024) GS-1102 Qualification Standard DAWIA Functional Areas (PM · CON · BFM) FAC-C (Professional) Competencies
Pricing

Try everything free for 14 days. Go pro when you're ready.

Every new account gets 14 days of full access to all 14 modules automatically — no credit card, no plan to remember to cancel. After that, Module 1 plus one free preview lesson in every other module stay free for good.

🎓 Earn over 43 CLPs across all 14 modules — self-reportable in CAPPMIS, eDACM & FAITAS. Every completed module includes a Certificate of Completion.
Free
$0 / forever
What you keep after your 14-day trial ends, whether you upgrade or not.
  • ✓ Module 1: DoD Acquisitions Foundations
  • ✓ 10 lessons + quizzes
  • ✓ 1 free preview lesson in every other module
  • ✓ AI Study Assistant
  • ✓ Key terms & skill levels
  • ✓ 1.5 CLPs — Certificate of Completion
Start Your Free Trial →
MOST POPULAR
Monthly Pro
$5.99 / month
Full access while subscribed. Cancel anytime.
  • ✓ All 14 modules — 123 lessons
  • ✓ All skill levels unlocked
  • ✓ AI Study Assistant — limited
  • ✓ Module gate assessments
  • ✓ Personalized learning path
  • ✓ "The Debrief" — audio lessons for every module (stream anytime)
  • ✓ Over 44 CLPs — Certificate per module
  • ✗ "How Do I Apply This?" AI
Get Monthly Access →
Lifetime Pro
$99 one-time
Full access forever. No subscription. No renewals.
  • ✓ All 14 modules — 123 lessons
  • ✓ All skill levels unlocked
  • ✓ AI Study Assistant — unlimited
  • ✓ All future content updates
  • ✓ Module gate assessments
  • ✓ Personalized learning path
  • ✓ "The Debrief" — audio lessons for every module (stream anytime)
  • ✓ Over 44 CLPs — Certificate per module
  • ✓ "How Do I Apply This?" AI — exclusive
Get Lifetime Access →
Team Pack
$399 one-time
10 seats of Lifetime Pro for your PM team. One invoice, not ten.
  • ✓ 10 Lifetime Pro seats
  • ✓ All 14 modules — 123 lessons, per seat
  • ✓ "The Debrief" — audio lessons for every module (stream anytime)
  • ✓ Certificates of Completion for CLP self-reporting
  • ✓ One invoice instead of 10 separate purchases
  • ✓ $39.90/seat vs. $1,500+/seat classroom training
FAQ

Common questions

Still not sure? Here are the ones we hear most.

No. Module 1 starts from zero. It explains the DoD acquisition system, who the key players are, and how programs get funded and executed. If you're brand new, start there. The skill level system means you move at your own pace, and the AI assistant can explain any concept in plain language whenever you get stuck.
Absolutely. The onboarding flow has a dedicated contractor track that surfaces the most relevant modules first: Capture & BD, Contracting Fundamentals, and Finance. Understanding how the government side works is the biggest competitive advantage a contractor PM or BD professional can have.
No, and we're not trying to be. WarU (formerly DAU) certification courses are mandatory for the DoD workforce and focused on compliance. Acqlerate is focused on practical knowledge you can apply on the job: understanding concepts deeply, not just checking certification boxes. Many users do both. WarU gets you certified. Acqlerate helps you actually understand what you learned.
Every lesson has an AI button with two built-in prompts: "Explain this like I'm 5" for when a concept is confusing, and "How do I apply this as a PM?" for practical context. You can also type your own question. It's powered by Google Gemini 2.5 Flash and responds in seconds.
Yes. Defense Acquisition Workforce members can self-report Acqlerate modules as External Training in their WarU learning portal (CAPPMIS for Army, eDACM for Navy/Marine Corps/Air Force, FAITAS for civilian). Each module generates a Certificate of Completion showing the course name, date, instruction hours, and DAWIA functional area mapping. 1 hour of instruction equals 1 CLP. All 14 modules combined equal more than 43 CLPs. That's over half of your 80 point biennial requirement.
Yes, anytime. When you cancel, your access remains active through the end of the billing period. After that you drop to the free tier, which includes Module 1 permanently. Your progress and quiz scores are saved. You pick up right where you left off if you resubscribe.
Yes. The current fourteen modules cover the acquisition system end to end, from foundations through sustainment, plus tracks for small business, startups entering defense, and service members transitioning in. We keep building: new lessons, deeper levels on existing ones, and a weekly brief on what changed. Lifetime Pro users get all future content at no extra cost.
JUST FOR FUN

Also, people ask us this.

Not serious. Still true.

Unconfirmed. But we have personally seen stranger things survive a government audit.
Nothing fully prepares you for fiscal year end. We can at least explain why everyone around you is panicking.
We do not. Though we respect the creativity of the offer.
Not yet. Give it time.

Why We Built This

I was in a meeting and couldn't answer the question.
That moment built Acqlerate.

From Lucas

I was sitting in a meeting with people who'd been in the defense industry for years. Someone turned to me and asked about DSO, cashflow, and the variance of revenue for the financial period.

I had no idea what to say. Not because I wasn't capable. Because nobody had ever explained it to me in plain English. I was a veteran who'd worked on programs worth hundreds of millions of dollars and I still didn't have the vocabulary to talk about my own work.

I don't want that to happen to you. That's why I built Acqlerate. Not to add more jargon to the pile. To give defense contractors the plain-English foundation they need to do the job with confidence.

L

Lucas Cruz

Founder, Acqlerate

Turns out I wasn't the only one stuck in that moment. This gap shows up across the whole industry, and it's expensive. See the data behind it, and more about who's building this.

Read the Full Story & the Data →

Your next promotion starts here.

The acquisition professionals who get ahead are the ones who take the time to understand the system. Start with Module 1 — free, today.

Start Free — Module 1 View Pricing