Note: Due to intellectual property agreements with Unison Software and the Virtual Acquisition Office (VAO), I am unable to share the full training content or proprietary course materials developed during my tenure. The images shown here are publicly available links to projects and events that I worked on.
Overview
Organization: Unison’s Virtual Acquisition Office (VAO)
Position: Instructional Systems Designer
Audience: Contracting Officers, Contracting Officer Representatives, and Project Managers
Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Accessibility, Project Management, LMS Administration, Collaborating with Cross-functional Partners and SMEs, Managing Live Webinar Sessions
Tools: Absorb LMS, Articulate Storyline 360, Articulate Rise 360, Camtasia, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Verbit, Coda, SharePoint
As an Instructional Systems Designer for the Virtual Acquisition Office (VAO), I led the design and development of interactive, learner-centered training solutions tailored for over 65,000 federal acquisition professionals. My responsibilities included conducting needs analyses, aligning course content with federal certification requirements, and integrating Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) into modular, SCORM-compliant eLearning experiences. I collaborated closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex contracting regulations and policies into engaging, scenario-based learning, ensuring content was accurate, accessible, and performance-driven.
Process
To ensure training solutions for federal acquisition professionals were relevant and effective, I conducted comprehensive needs analyses through a structured process. I consulted with stakeholders to align learning objectives with business goals and federal mandates, identified performance gaps by comparing workforce capabilities to required competencies, scoped targeted learning solutions such as webinars and eLearning modules, and defined clear outcomes to support both individual development and organizational success. This approach ensured that each learning intervention addressed specific challenges and contributed to agency-wide performance enhancement.
After the needs analysis, I developed a detailed instructional design document to guide course development within the VAO platform. This blueprint aligned stakeholders, SMEs, and developers on content scope, instructional strategies, and technical specifications. I defined measurable learning objectives based on performance gaps, outlined course structure tied to acquisition competencies, recommended adult learning strategies like scenario-based activities, specified media and technical requirements for compliance and LMS integration, and coordinated iterative reviews to ensure stakeholder approval.
I led the full development and deployment of interactive eLearning modules for the Virtual Acquisition Office (VAO). I built modules in Storyline and Captivate, incorporating real-world scenarios, accessibility features, and Section 508 compliance standards. I packaged courses as SCORM files, conducted QA testing, and uploaded them into Absorb LMS, configuring enrollment, learning paths, and completion criteria. As an LMS administrator, I managed users, generated custom reports for stakeholders, and provided learner support and technical troubleshooting to ensure smooth delivery and tracking.
✅ Results
- Supported 65,000+ Federal Learners
Successfully designed and deployed eLearning modules that reached a broad audience of government acquisition professionals across agencies.
Enabled Certification and CLP Attainment
The learning solutions I developed contributed directly to learners earning Continuous Learning Points (CLPs), helping them maintain critical certifications.
Reduced Support Requests
Clear design, intuitive navigation, and proactive learner support led to a noticeable decrease in LMS-related help desk tickets over time.
💡 Takeaways
- The Power of Learner-Centered Design
Designing content around real-world tasks and challenges significantly boosts engagement and retention, especially for adult learners in high-compliance roles.
SME Collaboration is Key
Early and continuous collaboration with subject matter experts ensured accuracy, relevance, and stakeholder buy-in for every course.
Accessibility and Compliance Can’t Be an Afterthought
Proactively designing for Section 508 compliance not only ensured legal standards were met but also made the learning more inclusive and effective for everyone.