Badging Program

The LAB launched its innovation micro credentialing program in FY22, referred to as The Badging Program. The badge numbers grew substantially in FY23, and more in FY24. In FY25, we overhauled the levels and requirements of the available badges to be more inclusive, but also to be more meaningful. Pre-FY25 there were three badges, with seven total levels; now there are four badges with only one level each. At the start of FY25, The LAB had issued over 350 Innovator Badges, but zero Coach or Inventor Badges (Facilitator Badge is new for FY25). 

All badge recipients are stored internally in an MS List, available as a spreadsheet with quarterly updates to all Department of Commerce users. The list includes the date of the badge, badge type, course associated with the badge, email address, Dept. of Commerce Bureau, and other relevant information. The goal is for acquisition team members to be able to view that list and reach out to other team members they may know and trust in an interconnected way, like a honeycomb. Think of a honeycomb. Each individual cell is strong and has its own purpose, but it’s the interconnectedness of all the cells that creates the overall strength and structure of the entire comb. This Badging program is designed to function similarly, establishing a network of individuals who can work together to normalize the innovative techniques and processes in the spirit of the badging requirements.  

This page and included documents (especially The LAB's FY25 Badging Program Updates included below), outline the program, requirements of each badge, how to apply, and how to connect with each other. If you are a DOC employee, including all Bureaus, click here to view the Badging Tracker on Commerce Connection.

Badge Type	Requirement	How to Apply	Job Series	TheLABBadgesSoTheThumbnailsRBig
INNOVATOR	Complete a course on innovation, such as FAR Flexibilities (FCN 170), DHS PIL Boot Camp (FCL-A-9053) or equivalent training, or​	Submit an email to [email protected], sharing a story using three or more of the innovative techniques found in the PTAI, or​ LAB sponsored workshop.	There is no required job series to obtain an Innovator Badge.​
FACILITATOR	Hold an Innovator, Coach, or Inventor Badge, and​ Complete a LAB sponsored workshop while serving as a Facilitator, and​	Submit an email to [email protected], sharing your experience serving as the primary facilitator of one or more of the following:​ JAM sessions​ On-the-spot Consensus Evaluations ​ Industry day or related conference	Highly recommended for all acquisition professionals involved in requirement building, evaluation, or award document review. Participation from various functional areas will strengthen the program by adding valuable perspectives and content.
COACH ​	Hold an Innovator, Facilitator, or Inventor Badge, and​ Complete DHS PIL Coaching Clinic or LAB sponsored workshop, and​	Submit an email to [email protected], sharing an example using three or more of the innovative techniques found in the PTAI on a DOC procurement. Examples can be in the form of a Procurement Innovation Narrative (PIN), webinar, short video training, articles, tip sheets, or guides.​	The Coach Badge is intended primarily for Contracting Officers and Contract Specialists but may also extend to other roles.
INVENTOR ​	Create a new-to-DOC acquisition community technique, streamlined process, or tool/resource, or​ implement an innovative technique developed by The LAB or another entity, but has not yet been tested,​	Submit an email to [email protected], sharing the practical application of the process, tool, or technique invented. Examples can be in the form of a PIN, webinar, short video training, articles, tip sheets, or guides.​	Anyone can be an Inventor! There is no job series excluded, we want your great ideas!

I applied, what happens now?

Great question. The LAB will review the application, reach out for details or a conversation, and process the application. The end result should be a letter that provides the badge, captures your data in the badge list, and shares instructions for how to showcase your new credential and let people know that you can assist! Below is a sample image and then a full copy of that letter. 

Thank you for taking the time to explore The LAB's Badging Program. If you meet any of the criteria above then please follow the steps to apply! Please email [email protected] if you have any questions!