Procurement Bill Simplifies Buying

Abstract

In a rare display of bipartisanship, the Senate on Sept. 22 cleared legislation to streamline federal purchasing, with the aim of speeding the acquisition process and saving the government money. The bill, which President Clinton signed Oct. 13 (S 1587 PL 103,355), was a key element in the administration's reinventing government initiative spearheaded by Vice President Al Gore. The measure encouraged federal agencies to buy more goods off the shelf in routine commercial transactions, rather than conducting elaborate negotiations to secure items designed to meet unique government specifications.