There are numerous initiatives being pursued. FACNET Integration. Though not widely implemented, FACNET has 320 DOD sites that are FACNET certified and these capabilities will be integrated with other EC technologies and purchasing methods.
Standard Procurement System. The Standard Procurement System (SPS) is an automated procurement tool being developed by DOD. It is intended to be the "next generation" of procurement software and is intended to incorporate the best practices of EC found in the commercial marketplace. SPS is in its very early stages and as of mid-1998, had completed installation at 184 buying sites covering over 7,000 vendors. Central Contractor Registration. In 1996 the FAR was amended to require contractors to register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database if they wish to conduct business with the federal government through EC. To register, they needed to submit identifying information including a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and electronic funds transfer data in prescribed EDI formats. On March, 31, 1998 the DOD issued a final rule requiring all contractors wishing to do business with the DOD (not just seeking EC participation) to register with the CCR database. The rule also implements the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 that requires agencies to obtain contractor taxpayer identification numbers and to pay contractors only through electronic funds transfer.
Contractors may register by completing a two page form that is updated annually. Access on line is also acceptable at … The registration requirement applies to all awards of contracts, basic agreements, basic ordering agreements and blanket purchase orders except of (1) purchases made with a commercial credit card (2) awards to foreign vendors for performance outside the US and (3) classified contracts by issued by COs during military operations or emergencies. To remain registered, a contractor must annually confirm the accuracy and completeness of the information in the database. If the CO determines a contractor is not registered, it must wait for the contractor to register if a delay is acceptable or will make the award to the next otherwise successful registered offeror. In May 1998, DOD issued a memorandum reminding agencies of the prohibition against award for those not registered in the CCR database.
Past Performance Information System. The purpose of the Past Performance Automated Information System (PPAIS) is to collect and provide access of information to procurement personnel about contractors’ past performance. There are numerous systems being developed now that track objective information (e.g. ratings) and/or subjective appraisals (e.g. narratives). See http://www.acq.osd.mil/ec/electronic_commerce_project_fact_sheet.htm for more information.
Technical Data Information System. The purpose of the Technical Data Package Material Information System is to provide a central source for technical information for government procurements (see the web reference above for more information). The information will be available on the world wide net and will initially include (1) RFQ and RFPs (2) unclassified and unrestricted technical drawings (3) military specifications and standards and (4) commercial industry standards. Information to be added later includes commercial vendor drawings, DOD and military service instructions and directives.
Paperless Acquisition. In a memorandum dated May 21,1997 the DOD Comptroller launched an initiative to create a totally paperless contract writing, administration, finance and auditing process by January 2000 (see http://www.acq.osd.mil/ec/paperfree_contracting.htm for more information).
Purchase Cards. The government has implemented a system of Government wide credit cards for small purchases for most micropurchases (under $2,500) as well as larger purchases.
Electronic Catalogs. Agency electronic catalogs – Web-based electronic systems allowing buyers to browse, place orders and make payments – have proliferated since the growth of the internet, use of purchase cards and increased use of multiple award task and delivery order contracts. Examples of such electronic catalogs are: the Federal Supply Services’ GSA Advantage! (http://www.unicor.gov/ ) that permits buyers to look for specific product information, review delivery options and instantly place orders with schedule contractors; the Defense Logistics Agency’s Emall (http://www.supply.dla.mil/email/index.html ) for "one stop shopping" that currently allows DOD buyers to select over 4 million DLA-managed items as well as hundreds of thousands of commercial items from vendor catalogs and to make payment with a purchase card; the National Institutes of Health through its Electronic Computer Store (http://nitaac.nih.gov/Nhpmr/ECS%2011/ecs2homeframe.html )has vendors update its own catalogs and provides links to sellers contract pages. In addition, the government is working projects to link the various agency electronic catalogs to allow easy viewing and movements between catalogs.
FACNET Alternatives. Though FACNET remains a part of the current EC procurement arsenal, it has proven to be a poor technique for small purchases in the $2,500 to $25,000 range. Such purposes use either the traditional "three quote" process where buyers typically seek out three telephone quotes solicited from the local trade area or the increasing use of indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts for high volume buys. Web-based software and electronic catalogs rather than the cumbersome FACNET are proving to be the most accepted method for these purchases.
Federal Procurement Data System. A major source of procurement information on federal contract awards is the Federal Procurement Data System (http://fpds.gsa.gov/fpds/fpds.html). Its reports are available on the Internet which permits sellers to search agencies that are buying their products and services and to determine which vendors those agencies have used in the past. CBDNet & CBDPlus. Notices of all open market contract opportunities above $25,000 that would otherwise be published in the paper version of the Commerce Business Daily are now published electronically and available free of charge on CBDNet (http://cbdnet.access.gpo.gov/index.html). The site also has three search engines for text searches, field searches, or searches by classification code. CBDPlus will be an enhanced version of CBDNet which in addition to notices of contracting opportunities will include copies of solicitations and other documents ready for downloading as well as automatic e-mail notification to vendors about contracting opportunities in specific categories. Small Business Outreach. There are many outreach actions to increase opportunities for small businesses. For example, the Small Business Administration’s Procurement Marketing and Access Network (PRONet whose internet address can be found at http://www.policyworks.gov/epic ) is a free Internet database of vendors providing access to profiles of more than 170,000 small businesses including products and services, history, references and other assistance that helps both government and large business locate small contractors and subcontractors. In addition, a particularly useful resource we have found are the 16 Electronic Commerce Resource Centers funded by the DLA and located in different areas of the country that provide free training and technical assistance to small and medium-sized businesses. Each center has a Web page.
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