On September 14, 2021, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a decision in the matter of Marquis Solutions, LLC B-419891, B-419891.2, sustaining a protest. The GAO determined that the Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) source selection decision was unreasonable, lacked a meaningful evaluation, and was inconsistent with the terms of its solicitation and applicable statutes … Continue Reading
In efforts to bring the VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) “in line” with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the US Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) has proposed amendments to its acquisition regulation. The VA proposes to eliminate any procedural guidance from the VAAR that is internal to the VA, to incorporate new regulations and policies, and to … Continue Reading
Earlier this month, the General Services Administration (GSA) launched its new reverse auction tool for commonly purchased products on certain Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). GSA’s Reverse Auction Platform — reverseauctions.gsa.gov — is designed to drive down procurement prices and increase taxpayer savings. Specifically, reverse auctions are intended to make the buying of non-complex commodities and … Continue Reading
Back in 2000, Professor David C. Wyld published an initial report on the potential of reverse auctions as a government cost-saving tool. Reverse auctions enable sellers to “bid down” prices for their goods and services, and have become an increasing method for federal procurement. In his second report on the topic, Professor Wyld estimated that use of … Continue Reading
