The White House Issues Executive Order on FAR Reform

The White House has issued an executive order aimed at reforming the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which governs how federal agencies purchase goods and services. Critics argue that the FAR has become overly complex, encompassing over 2,000 pages of regulations that hinder efficiency and increase costs for taxpayers. The new policy emphasizes the need to eliminate unnecessary regulations and streamline the procurement process to ensure it is agile, effective, and aligned with the needs of both national and defense industrial bases.

To implement these reforms, the order directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to collaborate with various agencies to amend the FAR. This includes designating senior officials within agencies to ensure alignment with reform goals and issuing guidance to promote expedited acquisition processes. The executive order also introduces a regulatory sunset provision, which suggests that provisions not required by statute will expire unless renewed, thereby encouraging ongoing evaluation of federal procurement regulations.

Overall, this initiative is part of a broader strategy by the executive branch to enhance financial responsibility and reduce regulatory burdens on American businesses. By addressing the inefficiencies associated with the FAR, the White House aims to restore common sense to federal procurement practices, ultimately leading to better value for taxpayers and improved operational efficiency for federal agencies.

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