Procurement Reform: Implementation of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994

GAO discussed the implementation of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, focusing on the government's progress in: (1) revising the regulations needed to implement the Act; (2) establishing the Federal Acquisition Computer Network (FACNET); and (3) using government purchase cards for federal procurements. GAO noted that: (1) although the Administration has tried to revise the regulations required to implement the Act, some of the regulations will not be issued until September 8, 1995; (2) the Administration has not yet defined a FACNET architecture and implementation strategy, developed an effective industry approach, or ensured the availability of information that businesses need about FACNET; (3) businesses that accept government purchase cards are likely to be paid more quickly, since payments are made by the purchase card bank instead of the government; and (4) the Act established a new procurement category for micro-purchases, purchases of $2,500 or less, to be used in connection with government purchase cards, in order to expedite the procurement process and reduce administrative costs.