GSA launches new tool to simplify the federal buying process

The General Services Administration is launching a new tool to help simplify the federal buying process, providing the acquisition community with streamlined market research, searchable templates and interactive resources.

Sonny Hashmi, commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service, announced the launch of  buy.gsa.gov on Tuesday afternoon and said in a blog post that the buyer experience tool "was built using human-centered design to address pain points in the acquisition process." 

The platform provides a four-step process for anyone seeking information about the federal buying experience: Planning, developing documents, researching products, services and pricing and requesting a quote or purchase. Users can browse samples, templates and tips for performance work statements, statements of work and other documents required for services purchases. 

Hashmi acknowledged the years-long criticisms surrounding the federal buying process in his post, writing: "For years, the federal acquisition community has been asking for a simpler way to get the information it needs to make smarter purchases while saving taxpayer dollars."

He added that Buy.GSA.Gov was the result of a government-wide user research and usability testing effort which involved GSA acquisition experts, federal agencies and vendors. 

GSA first previewed the new buyer experience tool earlier this month while highlighting key elements of its Federal Marketplace Spring 2022 release. 

"With the launch of our new buyer experience, we highlight GSA's commitment to our customers, suppliers, and workforce while improving the buying process," Hashmi said in a statement at the time. "I am excited for our users to see what they helped develop and look forward to watching it grow and expand in the years to come."

The agency said its focus for the latest Federal Marketplace Strategy was to reduce the burden on suppliers of goods and services to the federal government.

GSA's Digital Innovation Division – a team within the Federal Acquisition Service – is tasked with managing the development of the site. The team said it focused on the eight requirements in the 21st Century IDEA Act for modernized websites, including accessibility, mobile-friendly capabilities, user-centered experiences and secure, searchable functionality.

The site also includes resources for vendors, including a support center, a contractor start-up kit and a forecast of contracting opportunities.