The GSA Seeks Nominations for Acquisition Advisory Committee

The General Services Administration (GSA) is seeking nominations for individuals with expertise in emerging technologies and government acquisitions to join its Acquisition Policy Federal Advisory Committee (GAP FAC). This committee is being revamped to focus on how the government can utilize and secure cutting-edge technologies in its acquisition processes.

Traditionally, the federal government acquisition process has been slow and bureaucratic. However, the rapid pace of innovation in the tech sector necessitates a more agile approach. The GAP FAC will play a critical role in helping the GSA develop policies and procedures that enable the government to acquire and use emerging technologies more effectively.

The Committee's Focus Areas

The GAP FAC will address several key areas, as outlined by the GSA:

• Policy and regulation changes to enable the use of generative AI in federal acquisitions. Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, code, or images. The GAP FAC will explore how generative AI can be used to streamline the acquisition process, such as by automating the generation of bid requests or proposals.

• How GSA acquisition policies can better integrate disruptive, emerging technologies. Disruptive technologies are those that have the potential to fundamentally change an industry or sector. The GAP FAC will identify emerging technologies that have the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of federal acquisitions and recommend changes to GSA policies to facilitate their adoption.

• Cybersecurity and accessibility considerations to ensure fair and open opportunities in the acquisition process. The use of emerging technologies can introduce new cybersecurity risks. The GAP FAC will develop recommendations to help the GSA mitigate these risks and ensure that the acquisition process is fair and open to all qualified vendors.

Why This is a Great Opportunity

Serving on the GAP FAC is a great opportunity for individuals with expertise in emerging technologies and government acquisitions to influence how the federal government acquires new technologies. By incorporating emerging technologies into the acquisition process, the government can potentially improve efficiency, innovation, and public service delivery.

In addition to the opportunity to shape federal acquisition policy, committee members will also have the chance to learn about the latest trends in emerging technologies and network with other experts in the field.

How to Apply

Nominations for the GAP FAC are due by August 15, 2024. More information about the committee and the nomination process can be found on the GSA website.

The Potential Impact of the GAP FAC

The GAP FAC's influence extends beyond just government agencies. By creating a more streamlined path for participation in federal acquisitions, the committee can act as a catalyst for innovation within the tech industry itself.  Having a clearer understanding of the government's specific needs and priorities, as outlined by the GAP FAC, allows tech companies to direct their research and development efforts towards solutions that directly address these challenges. This fosters a more collaborative environment between public and private sectors, ultimately accelerating the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that benefit both government efficiency and public well-being.

 The GSA's revamped GAP FAC represents a significant step forward in modernizing the federal government's approach to technology acquisition. By bringing together experts from both the public and private sectors, the committee has the potential to develop innovative solutions that will allow the government to leverage the power of emerging technologies to better serve the American people. The impact of the GAP FAC's work will likely be felt for years to come, shaping how the government acquires and utilizes technology to meet the evolving needs of the 21st century.