Acquisition
Learn about how to acquire supplies and services.
Federal acquisition is governed by a complex web of laws, regulations, and policies. It can lead to the selection of qualified vendors who deliver the best value for the government and the public — reducing risk and wasteful spending, and improving outcomes for the public.
Related Policy
Federal Acquisition Regulation
Resources on Acquisition
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TechFAR Hub
Understand how to buy, build, and deliver modern digital services while staying on the correct side of compliance with the TechFAR Hub.
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Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
The primary regulation for use by all executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds. The FAR also contains standard solicitation provisions and contract clauses and the various agency FAR supplements.
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Find Your Section 508 Program Manager
Agency Section 508 Program Managers (PMs) are your first point of contact for questions about IT accessibility.
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Tabular Comparison of the Previous FAR Text Against the 2021 Update
These FAR Council updates are effective as of September 10, 2021.
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Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART)
ART is a multifaceted tool that offers interactive, step-by-step guidance on how to determine applicable accessibility requirements.
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Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 39.2 - Information and Communication Technology
This subpart implements section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794 d), and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s (U.S. Access Board) information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194.1.
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Cloud Smart: Federal Cloud Computing Strategy
Founded on three key pillars of successful cloud adoption—security, procurement, and workforce—the Cloud Smart strategy includes 11 action items from the Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council.
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18F De-risking Guides
The Federal Field Guide to De-risk Government Technology offers guidance to federal agencies on how to structure software development teams, write contracts, and oversee agile software activities to reduce risks and improve outcomes for end-users.
Join a Community of Practice
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TechAcq
IT acquisitions are at the heart of federal IT modernization efforts. They support agencies in delivering modern, digital services to the public more effectively and efficiently.
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Federal Technology Investment Management
We share best practices and lessons learned to improve IT cost transparency across government.
Acquisition events
The Basics of Buying Accessible Products and Services
Change the Way Digital Work Gets Done
Acquisition news
IHS health information technology modernization: The path forward
Save the date for this year’s fourth Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer, hosted by the IHS Health IT Modernization Program. The virtual event on November 8 will provide updates to the EHR vendor selection and program timeline, as well as host an open and welcoming space for dialogue with IHS leadership.— via Indian Health Service
GSA debuts new search tool to support Native governments and businesses
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) debuted a new search tool that enables buyers to search for Native business categories in GSA Advantage!, GSA eBuy, and GSA eLibrary for commercial products and services. Tribal governments are limited in their ability to generate traditional government revenues because of their unique federal status, and the income from Tribal businesses is an important source of development for these communities. This new feature will help Native businesses be visible in a diverse range of channels where they can sell products and services.— via General Services Administration
Five Procurement Strategies for Diverse Digital Services
Modern digital services require a close connection between federal agencies and contractors, as well as customers and other stakeholders. Use these five practical tips to attract and empower contractors who value diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
C-SCRM Acquisition Community of Practice (ACoP) Interact Site
C-SCRM Acquisition Community of Practice (ACoP) Interact Site—Since the launch of the Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) Acquisition Community of Practice (ACoP), GSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have been co-leading an effort to broaden the level of awareness and develop agency maturity in the areas of acquisitions, supply chain risk management, and cybersecurity across the federal government for information communication technology and services (ICTS). To increase C-SCRM awareness and adoption government-wide, the C-SCRM ACoP launched an online collaborative space for the federal government’s IT community and industry to share best practices, ideas, guidance, tools, and expertise needed to implement C-SCRM requirements. Working together as a community and sharing information will help us improve our cybersecurity posture across all levels of government.— via General Services Administration
Technology-boosting TMF Investments Deliver Benefits for the American Public
The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is working to transform the way the government uses technology to deliver for the American public in an equitable, secure and user-friendly way. It strategically invests in priority IT modernization projects that are aligned with the fast pace of changing technology and agency needs. Here are a few examples of how the TMF has invested in multiple projects that are helping many agencies deliver what people need when they need.
Resources on Acquisition
-
TechFAR Hub
Understand how to buy, build, and deliver modern digital services while staying on the correct side of compliance with the TechFAR Hub.
-
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
The primary regulation for use by all executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds. The FAR also contains standard solicitation provisions and contract clauses and the various agency FAR supplements.
-
Find Your Section 508 Program Manager
Agency Section 508 Program Managers (PMs) are your first point of contact for questions about IT accessibility.
-
Tabular Comparison of the Previous FAR Text Against the 2021 Update
These FAR Council updates are effective as of September 10, 2021.
-
Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART)
ART is a multifaceted tool that offers interactive, step-by-step guidance on how to determine applicable accessibility requirements.
-
Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 39.2 - Information and Communication Technology
This subpart implements section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794 d), and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s (U.S. Access Board) information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194.1.
-
Cloud Smart: Federal Cloud Computing Strategy
Founded on three key pillars of successful cloud adoption—security, procurement, and workforce—the Cloud Smart strategy includes 11 action items from the Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council.
-
18F De-risking Guides
The Federal Field Guide to De-risk Government Technology offers guidance to federal agencies on how to structure software development teams, write contracts, and oversee agile software activities to reduce risks and improve outcomes for end-users.
More News and Events on Acquisition
27 posts
Spring 2024 Community Summit
IHS health information technology modernization: The path forward
Save the date for this year’s fourth Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer, hosted by the IHS Health IT Modernization Program. The virtual event on November 8 will provide updates to the EHR vendor selection and program timeline, as well as host an open and welcoming space for dialogue with IHS leadership.— via Indian Health Service
GSA debuts new search tool to support Native governments and businesses
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) debuted a new search tool that enables buyers to search for Native business categories in GSA Advantage!, GSA eBuy, and GSA eLibrary for commercial products and services. Tribal governments are limited in their ability to generate traditional government revenues because of their unique federal status, and the income from Tribal businesses is an important source of development for these communities. This new feature will help Native businesses be visible in a diverse range of channels where they can sell products and services.— via General Services Administration
Five Procurement Strategies for Diverse Digital Services
Modern digital services require a close connection between federal agencies and contractors, as well as customers and other stakeholders. Use these five practical tips to attract and empower contractors who value diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
C-SCRM Acquisition Community of Practice (ACoP) Interact Site
C-SCRM Acquisition Community of Practice (ACoP) Interact Site—Since the launch of the Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) Acquisition Community of Practice (ACoP), GSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have been co-leading an effort to broaden the level of awareness and develop agency maturity in the areas of acquisitions, supply chain risk management, and cybersecurity across the federal government for information communication technology and services (ICTS). To increase C-SCRM awareness and adoption government-wide, the C-SCRM ACoP launched an online collaborative space for the federal government’s IT community and industry to share best practices, ideas, guidance, tools, and expertise needed to implement C-SCRM requirements. Working together as a community and sharing information will help us improve our cybersecurity posture across all levels of government.— via General Services Administration
Technology-boosting TMF Investments Deliver Benefits for the American Public
The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is working to transform the way the government uses technology to deliver for the American public in an equitable, secure and user-friendly way. It strategically invests in priority IT modernization projects that are aligned with the fast pace of changing technology and agency needs. Here are a few examples of how the TMF has invested in multiple projects that are helping many agencies deliver what people need when they need.
The Basics of Buying Accessible Products and Services
Change the Way Digital Work Gets Done
Improving Acquisition Governmentwide: IT and Professional Services
Improving Acquisition Governmentwide: IT and Professional Services—We are excited to share some updates about how our portfolios are collaborating to improve governmentwide services acquisition. This year we are taking our partnership a step further through a new focus area called the Services Marketplace. Information Technology Category (ITC) and Professional Services and Human Capital Categories (PSHC) are working together to align how we roll out new contracts and tools to support buyers and suppliers of services. See what’s new, what we’re working on, and our three primary goals.— via General Services Administration
FAR Updated To Add Revised Section 508 Standards for Information and Communication Technology
FAR Updated To Add Revised Section 508 Standards for Information and Communication Technology—On January 18, 2017, the U.S. Access Board issued a final rule (the Revised 508 Standards) that updated accessibility requirements covered by Section 508 for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Read more about the final FAR rule update and changes effective as of September 10, 2021.— via Section508.gov
Discovery BPA Evaluation Process: How to Operationalize this Practice
This guide provides acquisition professionals the steps and resources needed to operationalize the evaluation process developed for the Discovery BPA.
A Federal Guide to De-risk Government Technology Projects
A Federal Guide to De-risk Government Technology Projects—Written for cross-functional teams delivering IT services to their users, the Federal Field Guide to De-risk Government Technology offers guidance to federal agencies on how to structure software development teams, write contracts, and oversee agile software activities to reduce risks and improve outcomes for end-users.— via 18F
FAS Works to Enhance Competition
Have you heard? The Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) is making exciting progress through the Federal Marketplace Strategy towards implementing new authorities and flexibilities that enhance competition in acquisition.— via General Services Administration
Experimenting with the Micro-Purchase Threshold
Through the use of an open-source procurement process, we created an experiment others can replicate to encourage Agile thinking.
My Q & A with the IT Industry – What’s Working and What Could be Improved in Federal Acquisition
I recently met with more than 50 representatives from the top IT services companies and talked about the good and the bad in federal acquisition. Some of the discussion was surprising … some not so much. The key takeaways include some changes that are fairly simple for government to implement, yet have big impacts. 1.
The Data Briefing: Finding the New Federal Government Technologists
This week, I want to briefly discuss the human resources challenges in finding the new IT technology workers for the government. As agencies move toward microservices, artificial intelligence chatbots, and deep learning application programming interfaces (APIs), the demand for experts in these fields continues to grow fast. The universities and professional development programs are not
Health IT Services SIN — Ready to Serve Agencies
This summer I announced the the release of our new Health IT Services Special Item Number (SIN 132–56) on IT Schedule 70. Now, I am happy to report that the SIN has been awarded to 65 highly qualified industry partners — with that number continuing to grow daily as new contracts are being awarded. With such a
Announcing the Digital Acquisition Accelerator Playbook
Built on the lessons learned during the pilot phase of the Digital Acquisitions Accelerator, the accompanying playbook examines the current acquisition landscape and provides an approach to procuring custom software solutions.
Transforming the Federal Marketplace, Two Years In
Summary: It’s been two years since we laid out the Administration’s plan to transform the Federal marketplace. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished, and what’s next. Over the last two years, we’ve focused on our mission to implement the President’s vision for a modern government– one that leverages private-sector best practices to achieve a