FIT Procurement Act

This bill aims to improve federal technology procurement by enhancing the acquisition workforce, streamlining procurement methods, increasing competition, and addressing conflicts of interest. It does not authorize additional funding.

Sec. 2, Definitions: Defines key terms used in the bill, including 'acquisition workforce,' 'Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy,' 'cross-functional,' 'executive agency,' 'experiential learning,' 'information and communications technology,' 'relevant committees of Congress,' and 'small business.'

Sec. 3, Acquisition Workforce: Requires the Federal Acquisition Institute to establish a pilot program incorporating experiential learning into certification programs within 18 months. It also mandates developing a cross-functional training program for acquisition workforce members involved in information and communications technology procurement, covering topics like market research, key technologies, commercial solutions, case studies, and ethical practices. The training must be updated every two years and offered for at least five years. It increases the acquisition workforce training fund from 5% to 7.5% and reassigns responsibility for certain training requirements to the Administrator of General Services.

Sec. 4, Innovative Procurement Methods: Raises the simplified acquisition threshold from $250,000 to $500,000. It also allows advance payments for information and communications technology subscriptions, reservations, or tenancy, including cloud environments.

Sec. 5, Increasing Competition in Federal Contracting: Directs the Administrator to issue guidance within one year on using a wider range of past performance references, validating non-government references, and using alternative evaluation methods for requirements without much precedent. It also requires convening the Chief Acquisition Officers' Council to recommend removing barriers for small businesses, with public input, and implementing actions within two years. The Administrator must prioritize cost-efficiency and quality in contracting policies.

Sec. 6, Comptroller General Assessment of Small Business Participation: Requires the Comptroller General to submit a public report within 18 months assessing small business participation in federal procurement, including barriers, program effectiveness, and trends in technology projects.

Sec. 7, Conflict of Interest Procedures: Directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council and Administrator to update the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide additional guidance on addressing personal and organizational conflicts of interest involving acquisition workforce members.

Sec. 8, No Additional Funding: States that no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated for carrying out this act.