SP3s & the US Army

[stephen_az]

Just an interesting federal procurement that popped up today: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportu...053587c7dc229d78ac5d48208d1&tab=core&_cview=0. The numbers are irrelevant. Significance is in Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) authorizing purchase for Dugway Proving Ground. Given most of the people on the DoD side with whom I have worked as a consultant are still on ancient systems ranging from XP to 7, it is certainly a step forward.

 

[PepperdotNet]

Nice that they are upgrading but damn. The complexity of that procurement process is a testament to how royally FUBAR'ed our government has become.

They could just send the Procurement officer down to the local Microsoft Store with a purchase order and pick up the kit this afternoon. Instead, it will take months and cost the taxpayers double or triple because of all the difficulty and expense to comply with all the requirements of the bid.

 

[stephen_az]

I am sorry but that is really not true and, yes, I am a DoD contractor. They will spend no more than retail (probably less) and will support small businesses in the process. While it may take awhile to get the initial authorization, since it is taxpayer money that can't just be spent on a whim, the new procurement process being used will conclude after the close date. At that time, the lowest bid In a reverse auction will win and be awarded the contract. Quite frankly, other than the initial authorization, the process will be faster than that used by many large businesses; the price will be competitive; and small business entrepreneurs will have been fostered. As FY 2015 is more than half over and money must be spent within the fiscal year (or lost) no one sits around with money once they are authorized to spend, whether it be in consulting or hard purchases.

 

[PepperdotNet]

Thanks for the explanation. The whole thing just seems overly complicated.

 

[anon(7901790)]

Thanks for the explanation. The whole thing just seems overly complicated.

It's because of unethical behavior in the past that they have these procedures. It's the rules DoD created based on laws passed by Congress.

And yes, the Army will actually probably pay less than retail because it is a bulk purchase. I'm a former federal employee and retired military and was part of procuring items and though it may seem frustrating and complex, it's the fact that they are trying to be responsible when spending taxpayers money that makes it seem slow. Believe it or not, contrary to what the media says, the majority of federal employees are actually doing the right thing.