The goal of this course is to develop a series of SAFe-certified change agents that will be able to effectively lead a Lean-Agile transformation of a program inside of government agencies using the principles and practices of the Scaled Agile Framework®.

During the SAFe® for Government course, you will learn how to apply Lean-Agile and SAFe practices to government organizations in order to generate better results for your stakeholders, such as taxpayers, contractors, and military personnel, so that projects can be delivered in a timely and high-quality manner, improve collaboration with stakeholders and teams, decrease risk, and utilize taxpayer resources to the fullest extent.

As technology-based capabilities are increasingly being built in government environments, it can be especially challenging for government organizations to make the transition to Lean-Agile methods. However, with the right information and strategies, challenges such as legacy governance, contracting, and organizational barriers can be overcome.

During this two-day course participants will gain knowledge about the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®) principles and practices, how to execute and release value using Agile Release Trains and how to lead a Lean-Agile transformation of a program inside a government agency. By attending, participants gain a better understanding of the Lean-Agile mindset and why it is so important for a successful transformation. It will also teach them how to build high-performing, multi-vendor Agile teams and programs, to manage technology investments with Lean flow, to acquire solutions with Agile contracting, to launch the program and to plan and deliver value with SAFe. Additionally, attendees will gain an understanding of how to lead the transformation and of how specific leadership behaviors can contribute to the success of organizational change in government.

After attending this course, the attendees will be well prepared for the certification exam and will be able to become SAFe® Certified Government Practitioners.

Ensure the government is able to operate in an Agile environment.

It is especially challenging in the context of government to transition from traditional processes to Lean-Agile practices in order to develop technology-based capabilities.

There are however, a few things that can be overcome by the use of information and strategies in order to deal with issues of legacy governance, contracting, and organizational barriers. At this two-day course course you will learn the principles and practices of Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), how to execute and release value with Agile Release Trains, and how to lead the Lean-Agile transformation of a program within a government organization.

This course is intended to help you understand why the Lean-Agile mindset is essential component to the transformation process. Furthermore, you will learn how to build high-performing, multi-vendor agile teams and programs, manage technology investments using Lean flow, acquire solutions using Agile contracting, launch the program, and use SAFe® to plan and deliver value. Additionally, you will gain knowledge of how specific leadership behaviors can be used in government to drive successful organizational change.

The research indicates over 70% of digital transformations fail. Industry leaders will tell you that the instructor you select to teach your SAFe® for Government class makes all the difference! It is my experience as a SPCT that has enabled me to implement the Scaled Agile Framework with proven success overcoming transformational challenges in both the public and private sectors. Through my coaching programs, I have been able to help many leaders better understand what it takes to implement Lean-Agile in a successful manner and what common pitfalls that need to be avoided.

As I deliver my course, I bring my experience, real-world stories, and share them to give you a meaningful understanding of how SAFe should be implemented. I also invite you to share and analyze your own unique context with the group during the course.

My goal is to help you start the journey towards creating a solid foundation for your government agency in order to ensure success at all times.

Course Summary.

In order to lead a Lean-Agile transformation of a program inside a government agency, one of the most important roles you can assume is to become a Scaled Agile Framework® change agent who uses SAFe principles and practices to deliver value through Agile Release Trains and contribute to a continuous improvement process.

With the SAFe® for Government course, you will learn how to apply Lean-Agile and SAFe practices for government organizations, resulting in better outcomes for everyone, including taxpayers, contractors, and military personnel. It will ensure that projects are delivered promptly and with high quality, that collaboration with teams and stakeholders is improved, that risk is reduced, and that taxpayer money is used efficiently.

As the government sector transitions to Lean-Agile practices to build technology-based capabilities, it can be a particularly challenging task. However, with the right information and strategies, it is possible to overcome issues of legacy governance, contracting, and organizational barriers.

What you’ll learn?

A SAFe® for Government leader should be able to perform the following functions in order to effectively carry out their role:

  • Transition government programs from traditional software and systems development models to Lean-Agile and DevOps mindsets, principles, and practices using SAFe.
  • Adapt technology strategy, budgeting and forecasting, acquisition, compliance, and governance processes to flow based practices using emerging government guidelines.
  • Organize government programs into one or more Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and execute in Program Increments (PIs).
  • Explore Large Solution coordination in a government and multi-vendor environment.
  • Identify and internalize the mindset and leader behaviors essential to successful Lean-Agile transformation.
  • Follow success patterns for SAFe implementations adapted to the government context.
  • Build a preliminary outline of next steps to begin and/or accelerate the SAFe implementation in your program or agency.

What you get?

Class registration includes:

  • Attendee workbook.
  • Preparation and eligibility to take the SAFe® 5.1 SGP exam.
  • One-year membership to the SAFe Studio.
  • Course certificate of completion.

SAFe Certification Kit.

  • SAFe® SGP 5.1 certification exam certificate.
  • A SAFe® SGP 5.1 certification digital badge to promote your accomplishment online.
  • A SAFe® SGP 5.1 certification usage guide with SGP certification marks.
  • Access to a variety of learning resources to support certified professionals during their SAFe® journey.

Topics Covered.

  • Advancing Lean-Agile in government.
  • Embracing a Lean-Agile mindset.
  • Understanding SAFe Principles.
  • Creating high-performing Agile teams and programs.
  • Planning with cadence and synchronization.
  • Delivering value in Planning Intervals.
  • Mapping the path to agency and program agility.
  • Leading successful change.

Who will benefit?

A course like this is designed for government leaders and influencers who can play a meaningful role in guiding the adoption of SAFe® within a program or agency. Examples include:

  • Executives, Directors, Branch Chiefs.
  • Managers of development, engineering, QA, architecture, operations, support.
  • Program and project managers.
  • Program/Project Management Office (PMO).

Professional Development Units (PDUs) and Scrum Education Units (SEUs).

  • You may be eligible to apply for 16 PDUs toward your continuing education requirements with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for PMP, PgMP, and PMI-ACP certifications.
  • You may be eligible to apply for SEUs under Category C, toward earning or renewing your CSP through the Scrum Alliance.