PSC 2020 Biennial Acquisition Policy Survey Finds Unprecedented Adaptability in Government Contracting Government Leaders Share Insights and Challenges to Workforce, Budget Constraints and Industry Communications

Arlington, Va. (Dec. 10, 2020) The Professional Services Council (PSC) today released findings from its premier survey on government contracting, 2020 Biennial Acquisition Policy Survey: A New Paradigm. The tenth biennial edition of this PSC survey includes insights regarding trends and policies in government contracting from acquisition leaders from across the federal government.  

“The rapid changes in government during an election year and the COVID-19 global pandemic make 2020 unlike any other year in acquisition and contracting,” said PSC Executive Vice President and Counsel Alan Chvotkin. “This report captures the realities facing acquisition policy in the government as well as how industry pivots to leveraging available resources to maintain business-as-usual operations despite unprecedented disruptions.”

Based on the conversations with the government officials, PSC identified the following themes: 

Operational Resilience and Workforce Adaptability 
Operational resilience and workforce adaptability throughout the COVID-19 emergency: respondents applauded the adaptability of their staff. Procurement offices across the government transitioned to telework with few interruptions in business-as-usual. This survey makes clear that COVID-19 has catalyzed a new paradigm for business operations. 

Recruiting the Next Leaders 
Difficulty in maintaining a consistent contracting and acquisition personnel: respondents suggested that procurement professionals are hard to hire, and there is a growing “knowledge gap” in the transition between the retiring and the upcoming workforces. Respondents seek better strategies to attract, train and retain talent for a well-supported workforce with a range of experience levels.  

Budget Realities 
Need for budget flexibilities when Continuing Resolutions are the status quo: respondents view continuing resolutions as the status quo and are used to “doing less with less.” Agencies have experience performing under fragmented funding with solutions in place to address these challenges.

Requirements for Efficient and Safe Data Management 
Data management strategies as a key element in future acquisitions policies: solutions for data collection, the application of data, and securing data are immediate priorities in creating positive procurement outcomes. New technologies will be used to automate processes and data to enhance efficiency, and government needs to be prepared to put standards and government-wide cybersecurity regulations in place. 

Improving Communication 
A desire for better industry-government communications: communication between government and industry is critical, though often misaligned.  Respondents recommended a framework to improve dialogue and feedback between government and industry to enhance contractors’ ability to better partner with agencies.  

“The survey provides value to both government and industry, including facilitating smarter contracting, better communication, and more seamless business,” said Chvotkin. “Ultimately, good communication between government and industry is critical to improving federal contracting outcomes across every agency and mission.” 

To access the full report, please visit www.pscouncil.org/APS2020. 

Click here for a PDF of this release.