The speed at which technology evolves presents many challenges for the federal government, the first being the actual acquisition of solutions. Government procurement processes and policies have had to adjust and evolve to enable agencies to buy and implement the emerging technologies that support their mission.
Utilizing Existing Platforms
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) may be the largest and most visible example of this evolution, allowing agencies to securely acquire cloud solutions. The program is being used as a platform to ensure that other transformative technologies, like the cloud, can securely make their way into government systems. The Emerging Technology Prioritization Framework provides guidance on how cloud service providers can request their emerging tech-powered products be prioritized and then implemented. The initial focus will be on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, focusing on chat interfaces, code generators and debugging tools, image generators, and associated application program interfaces.
Keeping it Simple
Of course, many of these solutions are being developed by small companies that are intimidated by or ill-prepared to meet the stringent demands of government procurement. While the government has made great strides in increasing the number of contracts awarded to small businesses, in fact exceeding small business contracting goals in fiscal 2022, more work can be done. The Plain Language in Contracting Act would require agencies to use plain language in requests for proposals and solicitations to encourage wider participation.
Harness the Buying Power of an Enterprise that Spends $700 Billion Annually
A key element of Biden's President's Management Agenda is instituting better business practices for the government. A huge piece of this is capitalizing on the scale of the government to get better pricing and better utilization of goods and services.
A recently launched tool, the Procurement Co-Pilot, brings together procurement data from across government to give feds answers to questions like, How much should I expect to pay for X product? What contract vehicle can I use to buy it? When is the best time to buy it? These answers can help better inform RFPs and RFIs. They can also use the tool to compare products and contact vehicles to figure out the best value, as well as see what work a given vendor has done for the government.
To learn more about the evolution of government acquisition, check out these resources from GovEvents and GovWhitePapers.
- Engage FedGov: AI, Automation, Acquisition, Data and Digital Transformation (September 25, 2024; College Park, MD) - This event will focus on ways different Federal organizations and leaders are empowering and changing how government and industry can work together to meet these emerging needs, with the end goal of making a real and measurable impact.
- Fireside Chat: Getting Started in Government Contracting (October 2, 2024; virtual) - This session provides an overview of the rules and processes for bidding on government work as well as insight from smaller companies looking to land their first government customer.
- Small Business Alliance Event - FY25 IT Government-Wide Category Forum (October 17, 2024; Reston, VA) - Attendees will learn about the category management framework and its principles, evolving IT acquisition priorities and opportunities, and resources designed to support agency buyers and small businesses looking to participate in the government IT market.
- AI Acquisition Forum (January 30, 2025; Reston, VA) - Organized by ACT-IAC, this event will address the latest policies around government buying and use of AI.
- Enhancing Government Acquisition with AI: Balancing Innovation and Security (white paper) - The emergence of generative AI in commercial use has dramatically altered the dynamics of government acquisition. This paper summarizes a roundtable of government leaders discussing the complexities and opportunities presented by AI in the procurement process.
- The Contractor's Roadmap: Evaluating GSA Schedule and GWAC Opportunities (white paper) - This article dives into the crucial comparison of the General Services Administration (GSA) schedule vs. Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC), offering insights into how each option can streamline procurement processes and unlock new opportunities.
For more on how the government is modernizing acquisition, visit GovEvents and GovWhitePapers for additional events and resources.
