Statement

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy Launches Landmark Update to FAR, Ushering in a New Era for Commercial Buying

Washington, D.C. – Today, the White House Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Federal Procurement Policy announced the launch of a historic update to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), marking the most significant reform to federal commercial buying procedures in over four decades. This action is part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), which is returning the FAR to its statutory roots, rewritten in plain language, while removing non-statutory rules when they are not essential to sound procurement.

Under today’s action, agencies are authorized to immediately begin eliminating one-third of requirements from their future contracts that are not required by statute or executive orders and have little to do with contract outcomes. This deregulation, combined with more streamlined buying procedures, will make it easier for agencies to leverage commercially-available solutions, including the innovations of small businesses, to provide better, more cost-effective services to taxpayers.

“The old rules were built for paperwork; the new rules are built for performance. With each deviation, we’re clearing out red tape and making space for better value, timely delivery, and more robust competition. This will open the door for increased participation by innovative small business manufacturers, new entrants, and others who have not traditionally been willing or able to work with our agencies,” said Dr. Kevin Rhodes, senior advisor to OMB Director Russell Vought.