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July 22, 2020
Buying for America and A Call to Action
The following is sent on behalf of Dr. Michael E. Wooten, Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy
The OMB Acting Director has issued “Buying for America,” Memorandum M-20-28, to highlight the economic power of our Federal procurement system and describe the smart contracting in the fourth quarter needed to boost the economic recovery. The memo calls upon agencies to take full advantage of acquisition flexibilities and innovative tools. It also calls for agencies to leverage small businesses, the AbilityOne Program, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) so that all Americans can participate in recovery efforts. A copy of the memo may be found at whitehouse.gov
To build on the Director’s call to action into FY 2021 and beyond, the President’s Management Agenda launched the frictionless acquisition cap goal that challenges us to deliver commercial items at the same speed as the marketplace and manage customers’ delivery expectations for acquisitions of non-commercial items. This capstone goal will provide an important management platform that rationalizes many of our ongoing modernization initiatives and introduces some new ones to break down barriers to entry. We will eliminate friction by using modern business processes, cutting edge technologies and data gathering practices, and a workforce vision of the future that helps our acquisition professionals leverage technological advantage to deliver the best possible customer service and mission support. For information on the frictionless acquisition cap goal and a copy of the action plan, go to performance.gov
Much of the work in this capstone is built around strategic pilot efforts that will allow us to learn and grow together through smart data-driven and evidence-based efforts. I appreciate those who have already stepped up to accept this important challenge and am excited to work with you, both individually and collectively, to bring our community to even higher levels of achievement as we look to the future.
Nominations for the 2020 Acquisition Excellence Awards Extended and Expanded
To recognize acquisition professionals who contribute to outstanding improvements in acquisition throughout the federal government, the Chief Acquisition Officers Council (CAOC) is seeking nominations for the 2020 Acquisition, Program Management, and Small Business Excellence Awards. The CAOC has extended the nomination period for the Acquisition, Program Management, and Small Business Excellence Awards to Friday, July 31. In addition, the CAOC is permitting nominations for efforts from 2019 through July 2020. There has been some amazing work responding to the pandemic, the CAOC wants to ensure that this work is recognized now instead of waiting an additional year. Efforts responding to the COVID-19 pandemic can easily fit into any of these three awards.
Awards will be announced at the October virtual Executive Leadership Conference and we look forward to celebrating excellence in our community together! Please distribute this note widely and nominate your stars!
Don’t forget to submit your nominations! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Joanie Newhart at jnewhart@omb.eop.gov.
Resource Guide for Green Contracting and Survey
A team in the 2019-20 Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals (LEAP) program at the Partnership for Public Service has developed a resource guide and survey about Green Contracting. Green Contracting is required by Executive Order 13834 to increase efficiency, optimize performance, eliminate unnecessary resource use, and protect the environment.
The LEAP team is asking for volunteers to read the brief “Three Aspects of Green Contracting Guide” and then respond to a 5-minute survey before July 31.
There is no compensation for responding, nor is there any known risk. To ensure that all information will remain confidential, do not include your name in your survey response. Access the survey here
If you require additional information or have questions, please contact Freddie.cross@ed.gov.
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