Assessing the Epoch: Is it time to bid farewell to the top-tier system?
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) has undergone a significant overhaul, aiming to create a more streamlined and efficient federal market. Known as the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), this common-sense approach to acquisition management is set to transform the way federal agencies procure goods and services.
One of the key changes introduced by RFO is the creation of a new category of "required use" contracts, as outlined in the updated FAR 8.104. These contracts are designed to leverage both government and commercial resources and capabilities, providing more efficient and effective business opportunities for commercial firms.
When an agency has a need that can be met by a commercial product or service available on an existing government-wide contract or Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), it must use the existing contract if it has been designated as a "required use" contract, unless an exception is provided. This policy encourages the use of existing contracts, reducing the number of separate procurement actions and promoting greater market discipline in agency acquisition planning.
The RFO also aims to move beyond the best-in-class approach, which did not significantly impact or reduce the growth of contract vehicles across government. Best-in-class criteria do not directly take into consideration actual contract performance results, leading to potential contract duplication across the portfolio of best-in-class contracts.
In contrast, the updated FAR 8.104 creates a "plain language" regulatory framework that prioritises the use of specific government-wide contract vehicles. This framework is designed to simplify and streamline the acquisition management process, making it easier for both agencies and commercial firms to navigate the federal procurement landscape.
The new FSS ordering procedures, rewritten under the RFO and now located in the General Services Acquisition Regulation (GSAR), provide the General Services Administration (GSA) with the ability to quickly update the procedures to meet changing market conditions and capabilities. This flexibility is crucial in ensuring that the federal market remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of the American people.
Companies seeking to compete for certain federal agency contracts under the new "required use agreements" according to FAR 8.104 must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). This requirement fosters greater transparency and accountability in the federal procurement process, ensuring that only qualified firms are able to compete for contracts.
In conclusion, the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul represents a significant step forward in streamlining and simplifying the federal acquisition process. By promoting the use of required use contract vehicles, the RFO has the potential to deliver more efficient and effective mission support for the American people, while also creating a dynamic that has great potential to deliver more efficient and effective business opportunities for commercial firms.
Read also:
- Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: BP Faces Record-Breaking Settlement - Dubbed 'Largest Environmental Fine Ever Imposed'
- Lawsuit of Phenomenal Magnitude: FIFA under threat due to Diarra's verdict, accused of player injustice
- Expansion of railway systems, implementation of catenary systems, and combating fires: SNCF adapting to the summer heatwave
- Citizen Thekla Walker, Minister, advises: "Let's focus on our own homes first"
