Software license negotiation, leveraging data among elements of new Biden contracting strategy
Summary
The Biden administration estimates its new federal contracting strategy could generate more than $10 billion in annual savings by employing techniques such as improving data sharing to get lower prices and negotiating software licenses on a governmentwide basis. “Improved data-sharing will strengthen acquisition in many ways from enhanced market and supply chain intelligence, to more realistic cost estimates and better solicitations,” the announcement said. That will include on-demand resources and tools provided to agencies and their contracting officials, the announcement said. The administration plans to soon roll out the first iteration of a tool that will “provide contracting officers with unparalleled access to centralized product pricing data derived from federal sales and commercial benchmarks, along with information on vendors and contracts, so agencies can confidently identify a best value solution for common needs, such as laptops, servers, and office furniture and supplies.” Also under the initiative, the General Services Administration will take the lead on “negotiating a governmentwide IT software license agreement with a large software provider.” The White House estimated that negotiation would yield 25 percent in efficiency gains, among other benefits. OMB will also issue guidance for agencies on using proven methodology for requirements in high-priority acquisitions.