Chamber Recommends Procurement Reforms to Defense Authorization Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce, as a part of the Acquisition Reform Working Group (ARWG), sent detailed recommendations to Capitol Hill calling for changes to the 2006 Defense Authorization Act that would increase the efficiency of the federal government procurement process.

"We need to make sure that businesses vying for government contracts can do so without wading through bureaucratic chaos," said Chris Braddock, Chamber associate director of procurement and privatization policy. "The process must be transparent and efficient to reduce waste and save taxpayer dollars."

The ARWG recommendations include stripping a section in the bill that would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to purchase products that have a specific percentage of domestic components, regardless of any trade agreements we have with allies. Additionally, the working group opposes a provision that would create new, burdensome requirements for contractors to annually report their employees' previous work experience for DOD. The requirement would subject those employees to restrictions that differ from those imposed on former employees of other federal agencies.

The ARWG is made up of trade associations and companies with a vested interest in federal procurement. The members, which represent all segments of the business community, work to develop and implement legislative strategies to make the government contracting process easier for businesses and more cost-effective for the government.

"The Chamber believes in the need for oversight of the procurement process to ensure that businesses—both small and large—have a fair and open chance to compete for government contracts," Braddock added.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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The ARWG recommendations are available online. www.uschamber.com/goto/arwg_recs