The Federal Acquisition System envisions delivering the best value product or service to customers promptly, maintaining public trust, and fulfilling public policy objectives. This requires all participants in the acquisition process to collaborate effectively as a team and be empowered to make informed decisions within their respective roles.
The Federal Acquisition System operates under several key principles designed to ensure efficiency, integrity, and value. Understanding these principles is crucial for anyone involved in government acquisition, from contracting officers to program managers.
Two principles that best encapsulate the core values of the Federal Acquisition System are outlined below.
Satisfying the Customer While Maximizing Value
One of the core guiding principles revolves around customer satisfaction achieved through optimal value. The Federal Acquisition System emphasizes meeting customer needs in terms of cost, quality, and timeliness of the delivered product or service. This is accomplished by prioritizing the use of commercial products and services whenever feasible, leveraging contractors with proven track records of success or demonstrable superior ability, and actively promoting competition among potential vendors. This principle ensures that the government receives the best possible products and services at a fair price, ultimately benefiting the taxpayer.
Integrity, Fairness, and Public Policy Adherence
Another crucial guiding principle emphasizes conducting business with integrity, fairness, and openness, while simultaneously fulfilling public policy objectives. The Federal Acquisition System seeks to minimize administrative operating costs and maintain the public’s trust. This includes adhering to ethical standards, providing equal opportunities to all qualified vendors, and ensuring transparency in the procurement process. By incorporating public policy objectives, such as supporting small businesses or promoting environmental sustainability, the Federal Acquisition System contributes to broader societal goals beyond simply acquiring goods and services. This aspect underlines the government’s responsibility to use its purchasing power for the common good.
The Acquisition Team, encompassing representatives from technical, supply, and procurement communities, customers, and contractors, plays a pivotal role in achieving these principles. Each member is encouraged to exercise personal initiative and sound business judgment to provide the best value product or service that effectively meets the customer’s needs. Government members are empowered to implement strategies, practices, policies, and procedures that are in the government’s best interests, provided they are not explicitly prohibited by law or regulation. This fosters a culture of innovation and efficiency within the Federal Acquisition System.
In conclusion, the Federal Acquisition System operates under guiding principles focused on delivering value to the customer through commercial solutions and ethical practices that uphold public policy objectives. These principles drive efficient and effective government procurement processes.
