GSA: The FAR has grown to more than 2,000 pages - it’s burdensome, outdated, and doesn’t allow agencies to buy at the speed of need, which leads to poor outcomes for the public we serve. Image: DCStockPhotography/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffGSA has changed several procurement policies—so-called “deviations”—in the Federal Acquisition Regulation to comply with Trump administration executive orders that revoked Biden administration directives affecting contract awards.
“These deviations to the FAR will allow federal contracting officers to amend or modify current solicitations and contracts without penalty to the government or the contract holder,” an announcement said.
In addition to two orders ending what the current administration termed “harmful” and “illegal” policies of its predecessor regarding DEI, racial equity and other considerations, the change reflects an order barring further procurement of paper drinking straws in favor of plastic straws.
The GSA termed the actions “the first steps in transforming the FAR into a sensible, common-sense guideline to ensure that the federal government is working with industry as an attractive partner for business.”
“The FAR has grown to more than 2,000 pages – it’s burdensome, outdated, and doesn’t allow agencies to buy at the speed of need, which leads to poor outcomes for the public we serve. The time is now to streamline the FAR to better align with commercial practices. GSA looks forward to working with the members of the FAR Council on this important work,” the statement said.
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