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Thursday, March 3, 2011

Overview of the Federal Procurement Process and Resources


L. Elaine Halchin
Specialist in American National Government

In the basic federal procurement process, acquisition personnel, after determining their agency’s requirements (that is, the goods and services the agency needs), post a solicitation on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. Interested companies prepare their offers in response to the solicitation, and, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), agency personnel evaluate the offers. Another type of procurement opportunity for a company is to serve as a subcontractor for a government contractor. To be eligible to compete for government contracts, a company must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, register with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR), and complete an Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Several agencies, such as the General Services Administration (GSA), provide assistance and services to existing and potential government contractors. Research and development (R&D) procurement opportunities may involve traditional contracting methods, such as solicitations and contracts, as well as nontraditional methods, which include agency-sponsored contests and venture capital funds.


Date of Report: February 23, 2011
Number of Pages: 8
Order Number: RS22536
Price: $19.95

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