News for the Acquisition Workforce

For those outside of the acquisitions community, the practices, policies, and processes of federal procurement can seem quite impenetrable. However, procurement is not a subject to be ignored given that the US Government spent more than $665 billion on contracts in 2020. To help understand Federal procurement, The Buzz with ACT-IAC interviewed interviews Lesley Field, Acting Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy at OMB, where they take you through the ins and outs of this complex, but vital, topic. Check out this podcast episode at ACT-IAC.

FAC 2022-04 Issued

Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-04 was published in the Federal Register on January 26. The update increased the minimum wage for Federal Contractors effective January 30. For more information, check out the FAC Introduction, FAR Case 2021-014, and the Small Entity Compliance Guide. Download the latest version of the FAR today.

Update Your FAI CSOD Profile

If you register for instructor-led training and change agencies or email addresses, you might be missing out. The email address and organization in your FAI CSOD profile is used to contact you about your upcoming training sessions and many other processes. Your profile must kept up-to-date in FAI CSOD, or you may be removed from training sessions. Follow the guidance in the Employee Task Aid on page 16 to access your profile and ensure it is up to date.

GSA Professional Services and Human Capital Categories (PSHC) offer optional, no-cost scope reviews that analyze the scope and Pool/SIN/NAICS assignment of your proposed requirement. Their knowledgeable project managers and contracting staff are well-versed and ready to help you find an available contracting solution for your professional and human capital services needs. Join PSHC on February 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET to learn more about how PSHC conducts scope reviews and what types of information can be helpful in determining which might be the right solution to match your requirement. Register now and earn 1 CLP.

GSA continues to expand the available products and services under the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. From printers and consumables required to 3D print medical equipment to bio printers and active cell print gels for medical research labs, GSA’s vetted contractors are able to support your agency’s medical applications for 3D Printing. Visit GSA’s 3D Printing page to learn more.

GSA Global Supply® now offers a line of privacy furniture National Stock Numbers (NSNs) meant for offices and other work environments where divided space and privacy are essential. The new NSN furniture line includes mobile privacy screens and sit-stand workstations with plexiglass. These items can be ordered quickly with your purchase card or your AAC/DoDAAC. No contract is needed, and there is no need to shop for multiple sources. Check out GSA’s privacy furniture page today.

A Civilian Services Acquisition Workshop (CSAW) is a highly structured, facilitated workshop built around a specific acquisition and its multi-functional integrated project team (IPT). The workshop walks the complete team through the performance-based acquisition (PBA) process from beginning to end. The primary focus of the CSAW is to get all members of the acquisition team or IPT contributing and working together to accomplish the necessary work. Join GSA this month for an overview of CSAWs, how they can benefit your acquisition teams, and ways you can get involved with this valuable service offering. Register now and earn 1 CLP!

Plain Language for Contracting Professionals

Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. Plainly stated federal acquisitions help all parties have clear understanding of expectations. Looking for help or tips for writing in plan language? Check out this article which is directed to contracting professionals.

Take Control of Your Printing with GSA’s Buyers Guidance and Resources

Whether you need to purchase copiers and multifunction devices (MFDs) or need a more holistic managed print services solutions, GSA can help! Visit GSA’s Print Management Solutions to see their new on-demand recorded training webinar which includes tips from industry on how to maximize competition and reduce costs. You can also download a comprehensive MFD buying guide, sample acquisition documents, interactive monthly lease payments and termination charges calculators, and much more!

Electronic Records Management (ERM) Acquisition Working Group

GSA welcomes all federal buyers wishing to participate in this interagency and industry collaboration dedicated to improving the buying experience within the Records Management Category. The group is planning to embark on a mock ERM acquisition scenario with the goal of identifying best practices and developing a comprehensive ERM acquisition roadmap. For more information on how your agency can benefit from GSA’s solutions for records management or join our working group, email recordsmanagement@gsa.gov.

Webinar Today! Category Management: Increasing Small Business Participation Through Subcontracting and Legal Obligations

Join SBA today at 2:00 p.m. ET and learn how you can increase small business participation through subcontracting and legal obligations. Pre-registration is not required, simply join through this link 10 minutes prior. There is no call-in only option. Send any questions regarding the program to sbalearning@sba.gov. You can view past webinars on SBA’s YouTube page.

Webinar on Basic Contracting for the GSA Schedule

Join GSA for a webinar on Basic Contracting for the GSA Schedule on Wednesday February 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. ET. This comprehensive training will cover contracting and ordering procedures for GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). It addresses placing orders against the MAS, as outlined in Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 8.4. You will also learn about the unique flexibility within the GSA Schedule program. Plus, this webinar will satisfy the training requirement for FAC-C Level 1 (equivalent to FAC 023). There’s no charge for this training, and you can earn 4 CLPs. If you have questions about this event, please contact GSA at gsa.acquisitiontraining@gsa.gov. Reserve your spot today!