Acquisition Reform: NASA's Internet Service Improves Access to Contracting Information

摘要

In response to the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994, we reviewed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) acquisition Internet Service (NAIS). Specifically, we determined whether NAIS was an effective mechanism for disseminating procurement information to industry, including small businesses. In addition, we identified the status of efforts to develop a governmentwide electronic procurement information system similar to NMS. In 1993, NASA began an initiative called the Midrange Pilot Program for procurements between $25,000 and $500,000.2 The purpose of the program was to test new processes and tools to streamline the acquisition process while maintaining or improving the quality of procurements. A key objective of the program was to develop and test an alternative to paper documents as the primary means of communicating procurement information to prospective contractors. After researching available options, NASA chose to implement an Internet-based electronic procurement notice and publication system, which ultimately became NAIS.