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May 7, 2025
Introducing the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul
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A new era of federal acquisition starts now. Led by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) and the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council), the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) initiative represents the most significant update to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in over 40 years. The initiative introduces model class deviation text, which are FAR parts, rewritten in plain language, that remove most non-statutory text, other than that which is essential to sound procurement. The initiative also introduces non-regulatory, non-mandatory buying guides and other materials that will provide best practices and “how-to” strategies for helping the workforce execute acquisitions more efficiently and with confidence. Users will be encouraged to comment on the form and content of materials so they can be modified, as appropriate, based on experience. Whether you’re new to contracting or a seasoned professional, the RFO supports smarter buying decisions at every step. It’s people-focused, policy-backed, and mission-ready. Explore the latest RFO guidance, rewritten FAR parts, news, and updates by visiting http://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul. |
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Commentary on the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul from GSA's Senior Procurement Executive Jeffrey Koses
On Friday, the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul page officially launched on Acquisition.gov.
FAR Part 1 sets the framework for the Federal Acquisition system.
Today, when you open the FAR, just about the first thing you see is the Statement of Guiding Principles. Credit to our predecessors on that. If you begin by explaining where you’re trying to go, you stand a much better chance of actually getting there.
That’s why the very first deviation you saw was revised FAR Part 1, the updated guiding principles.
Under the deviation, the first principle articulated is the acquisition system will “meet an agency’s mission efficiently and effectively first.”
Continuing, the next principle emphasizes the value of time as part of the most effective use of taxpayer dollars.
The third principle speaks to maximizing commercial products and services and the fourth speaks about awards to contractors who demonstrate a superior ability to perform.
To me, the message is: we spend taxpayer dollars through contracts in order to fulfill agency mission; we can’t overlook the value of time — acquisition needs to be fast; we need to tap the best of the commercial sector; and best value is our normal standard.
These are not new ideas — we can trace much of them back to the 809 panel, to the procurement reform movement of the 1990s, some to the Commission on Government Procurement in the 1960s, and no doubt some even further back than that.
If you’re reading this, share your thoughts:
- Where do you see acquisition steps which are inconsistent with these goals?
- How do we best increase velocity?
- How do we best invite the commercial sector to the game?
- Where are we getting in our own way?
Under the Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement, the FAR Council has 180 days to “amend the FAR to ensure that it contains only provisions that are required by statute or that are otherwise necessary to support simplicity and usability.”
While that’s not a lot of time, John Tenaglia, Karla Smith Jackson, and I are committed to public engagement throughout the process.
As each part model deviations are posted, you’ll find a feedback link, inviting your thoughts, particularly on areas that need refinement and on potential unintended consequences.
While the FAR Council won’t have time to post responses to the feedback, we will consider it as we move through the rewrite process into formal rule-making.
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Are You on Track with Your Continuous Learning?
Time flies! We're already halfway through the current FAC Continuous Learning (CL) period, which runs from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2026. Take a moment to assess your progress and ensure you're on track to meet your CL requirements.
Continuous Learning Requirements (before May 1, 2026):
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Certification
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Requirement
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FAC-C (Professional)
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100 CLPs
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FAC-COR Level I
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8 CLPs
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FAC-COR Levels II & III
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40 CLPs
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FAC-P/PM
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80 CLPs
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Take Action Now:
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Review Your Progress: Log into your Continuous Learning Individual Progress (CLIP) dashboard in FAI CSOD to see how many CLPs you've accumulated so far. If you’re at least 50% of the way there, you’re golden!
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Plan Your Next Steps: If you're not yet at the halfway mark for your required CLPs, it's time to schedule additional learning activities. A wide array of courses, learning playlists, and credentials awaits to help you stay sharp on policies, processes, and technical skills.
Remember, Continuous Learning isn't just a requirement — it's a pathway to excellence in your career and a vital contribution to your agency's mission.
By proactively managing your CL activities, you ensure both personal growth and professional effectiveness.
Questions or need assistance? Reach out to your acquisition career manager or small agency representative.
Stay proactive, stay informed, and let's make the second half of this CL period count!
Are You Studying for the Contracting Exam?
Prepare with the FCN 3930 Contracting Exam Study Challenge—a live, interactive study session from the Federal Acquisition Institute. Held monthly on the third Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. ET, this session offers expert insights, engaging gameplay, and a chance to tackle challenging questions. Register through FAI CSOD, join the competition, and earn one CLP while sharpening your contracting knowledge. If you are eligible to take the exam, you can register for FCN 3930 in FAI CSOD. The next session is May 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET. If you have questions, please contact shawn.sandi@fai.gov.
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Simplify Your Tech Buys: Discover GSA’s 2GIT and End User Device Solutions – May 20
Join GSA on Tuesday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to noon ET for a live webinar on how GSA’s 2nd Generation IT (2GIT) BPAs and Governmentwide Strategic Solutions (GSS) simplify the acquisition of desktops, laptops, printers, and accessories. Discover how these pre-vetted solutions help agencies streamline procurement, ensure compliance, and stay mission-ready. Register now to secure your spot.
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GSA’s Commercial Platforms Program Kicks Off New “Meet the Platform” Training Sessions
Don’t Miss It: Scope Review Best Practices
Join the Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories (PSHC) on May 8, 2025, for this month’s Office Hours session on Scope Review Best Practices. Learn how PSHC identifies the optimal contracting solution for your needs—aligning the right Domain, SIN, and NAICS code. This session will help you select appropriate professional or human capital contracting solutions, and you can earn one CLP for attending. Register now.
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Acquisition Today is published the first and third Wednesday of each month. If you have information that you would like to share with the federal acquisition workforce community via Acquisition Today, you may submit your article for consideration by completing this form. If you have feedback that you would like to share with FAI, please email us at contact@fai.gov. |
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Any reference to, or information discussing, a specific commercial training organization, or its products, processes, or services within this Acquisition Today newsletter does not constitute or imply an endorsement by FAI, GSA, or the United States Government of the commercial training organization, or its products, processes, services, producers, or providers. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document, website, linked information, or any other information, contained in the newsletter regarding a commercial training organization do not necessarily state or reflect those of FAI, GSA, or the United States Government. All references to commercial training organizations are for information purposes only. Neither the FAI, GSA, or the United States Government, nor any of their employees, assumes any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information from a commercial training organization's referenced information, linked information, services, products, producers, or providers. |
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