Procurement Reform in the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - a Creature of Compromise, Pointing the Way to Future Debates
Government Contractor, Vol. 48, No. 38, October 2006
7 Pages Posted: 20 Oct 2006
Abstract
The defense authorization act for fiscal year 2007, the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, H.R. 5122, has been signed into law. This essay reviews some of the key provisions in the act regarding procurement reform, including: (1) a renewed focus on lead systems integrators; (2) new technical data obligations for commercial contractors; (3) waiver procedures for specialty metals under the Berry Amendment; and (4) new integrity initiatives, including a GAO study of revolving door hires at major contractors. The essay notes that the act's many reform measures are likely stepping-stones to broader reforms. With recent scandals and the coming 2006 and 2008 elections, the pace of reform is, if anything, likely to accelerate.
Keywords: National Defense Authorization Act , procurement reform, lead systems integrators, Berry Amendment, commercial contractors, GAO
JEL Classification: F42, H57, K33, K40, N40, O32, O38
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation