SAFe® for Government Training

Transitioning to Lean-Agile practises for building technology-based capabilities is especially challenging in the government context.

But issues of legacy governance, contracting, and organisational barriers can be overcome with the right information and strategies. During this two-day course, attendees will learn the principles and practises of the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), how to execute and release value through Agile Release Trains, and what it means to lead a Lean-Agile transformation of a program inside a government agency.

Attendees gain an understanding of the Lean-Agile mindset and why it’s an essential foundation for transformation. They’ll also get practical advice on building high performing, multi-vendor Agile teams and programs, managing technology investments in Lean flow, acquiring solutions with Agile contracting, launching the program, and planning and delivering value using SAFe. Attendees also learn how specific leadership behaviours can drive successful organisational change in government.

This course also prepares you to take the Scaled Agile exam and achieve SAFe® Government Practitioner (SGP) certification. Course tuition fee includes the exam.

DID YOU KNOW? All SAFe training course events are currently available as 100% virtual.

Learn about AnyWare® Virtual Training ›

All are welcome to attend the training, regardless of experience. However, the following prerequisites are highly recommended:

• A foundational understanding of the Agile Manifesto, SAFe House of Lean, and SAFe Principles is required using pre-work suggestions
• A foundational understanding the full lifecycle of government technology programs is helpful
• Registered attendees will receive a list of readings and videos specific to Agile in government that will be beneficial to review before the course

This course is designed for government leaders and lead practitioners who are considering, planning, or advocating implementation of Lean-Agile and DevOps practises with SAFe in their agencies, programs or public sector organisations. Examples include:

• Executives, directors, branch chiefs
• Managers of development, engineering, QA, architecture, operations, support
• Program and project managers
• Program/Project Management Office (PMO)

Information about the exam will be released by SAFe shortly.

• Exam Name: SAFe 5.0 Government Practitioner
• Attendees must fully attend both days, in-class, in order to qualify for the exam.
• Annual renewal fee of $100
• 45 Multiple choice questions
• Passing score of 73% (33 out of 45)
• Exam retake costs $50

SAFe® for Government Training Delivery Methods

• Exam Included
• SAFe certificate and digital badge to promote your accomplishment online
• A one-year certified membership to the SAFe Community
• Access to a variety of learning resources to support you during your SAFe journey

SAFe® for Government Training Course Benefits

• Transition government programs from traditional software and systems development models to Lean-Agile and DevOps mindset, principles, and practises using SAFe
• Adapt technology strategy, budgeting and forecasting, acquisition, compliance, and governance processes to flow-based practises using emerging government guideline
• Organise 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
• Build a preliminary outline of next steps to begin and/or accelerate the SAFe implementation in your program or agency

SAFe® for Government Course Outline

Advancing Lean-Agile in Government

• Recognise the problem to be solved
• Review the state of Lean-Agile adoption
• Know the basic constructs of SAFe and the Implementation Roadmap

Embracing a Lean-Agile Mindset

• Embrace the Lean mindset
• Support the Agile Manifesto

Understanding SAFe Principles

• Take an economic view
• Apply systems thinking
• Assume variability; preserve options
• Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles
• Base milestones on objective evaluation of working systems
• Visualise and limit WIP, reduce batch sizes, and manage queue lengths
• Apply cadence, synchronise with cross-domain planning
• Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers
• Decentralise decision-making
• Organise around value

Creating High-Performing Teams and Programs

• Create high-performing Agile Teams
• Continuously deliver value with Agile Release Trains
• Provision the key ART roles
• Coordinate and integrate multiple ARTs and Suppliers

Planning with Cadence and Synchronization

• Prepare to experience PI Planning
• Create and review draft PI plans
• Finalise plans and establish business value
• Review final plans and commit to a set of PI Objectives

Supporting Program Execution

• Guide innovation and exploration for programs and large solutions
• Manage flow of value
• Update the Program Vision and Roadmap
• Define system attributes with Features
• Set priorities through backlog refinement
• Engage in key SAFe events

Mapping the Path to Agency and Program Agility

• Map the journey to agency/program Agility
• Build large programs to align with agency strategy
• Transition from projects to Lean flow of Epics
• Adopt Lean Budgeting aligned to Value Streams
• Apply Lean estimating and forecasting with cadence-based development
• Modify acquisition practises to enable Lean-Agile development and operations
• Build in quality and compliance
• Adapt governance practises to support Agility and Lean flow of value

Leading Successful Change

• Lead by example
• Adopt a Lean-Agile mindset
• Lead the change to SAFe

Becoming a Certified SAFe Government Practitioner

• Becoming a Certified SAFe Professional