#far changes

Examine the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) “Contracting Cone” as a utility in understanding changes by the Federal Government to the FAR and associated acquisition processes.

The strategy outlines 38 initiatives in five pillars: rebuild the industrial base; empower the acquisition workforce; streamline brittle processes; prioritize technical excellence; and resource system sustainment.

GSA’s Senior Procurement Executive says, " We need industry at the table to engage in every aspect of the things that are changing."

GSA has now published deviations for all FAR parts and new, non-regulatory guidance to contracting officers to help them navigate the changes. The “Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement” has submitted comments to GSA, which are published here, on each deviation.

The FAR Council released new text for six parts of the FAR — parts 4, 8, 12, 38, 40 and 51 — including the section dealing with commercial acquisition, removing 500 requirements for agencies and contractors so far. Another 500-plus are expected.

GSA requests hearing from suppliers and industry associations, highlighting input from small businesses and startups. Included is a five-stage draft systems design that GSA wants to act as a foundation for responses in the form of white papers.

The Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery Act, or SPEED Act, contains five general categories of reform — two of which focus on the requirements process preceding a procurement.

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ESPECIALLY BEING ASKED TO WEIGH IN on how DOD can prioritize commercial solutions, streamlining decision-making, and encouraging innovation within the defense sector.