Introduction
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) offers a set of rules meant to control the process of acquisitions of goods and services by the government. These regulations were promulgated on1st April 1984. The procedure of the government in acquiring essential goods and services must go through a certain procedure that satisfies rules of contract formation. It is important for the government departments to also plan before any acquisitions are made.
FAR Regulations
Government structures are very complex and special arms are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the FAR rules are complied with. This set of rules specifies exactly how the process of making acquisitions is done. The FAR rules are found in the government code of federal regulations.
The Federal Acquisition Federation brings together several laws, making it easy for the state to comply with the rules governing acquisitions and any other additional acquisitions that were not earlier budgeted for. These rules have helped restore sanity in contractors dealing with the government. The government employees who float tenders also fall under the ambit of the Federal Acquisitions Regulations. The rules also put restrictions on contractors and government officers therefore ensuring that there is accountability and value for money.
The Federal Acquisition Regulation has also created agency relationships. Agency relationships are meant to bring sanity to various government departments like the health department, department of defense, and the ministry of Agriculture. The department of defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uses the (DFARS) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement. The processes of acquisitions have been greatly streamlined. FAR also follows a particular format in order to ensure certain procedures are strictly adhered to. These departments have been given the responsibility to enhance the rules so as to make sure that any business entered into by the government agencies are free from corruption or conflicts of interest (Keyes, 2003).
Scandal
However, do the regulations offer sufficient protection to the American people and with regards to collective buying power for the American People? Some of the major scandals to rock the United States include Tyson’s Micro Technologies LLC Anthony R. The scandal involved Cisco gold partner MicroTech. The federal contract was worth $1.4 billion. The scandal involved software. An external Auditor discovered the scandal involving the software. The contractor was subsequently debarred from government tenders (McKenzie and Hafken, 2002).
Software Procurement
The executive is better placed to protect the American citizens together with smaller agencies to ensure that contracts and acquisition of services are done in a proper manner. If I were an internet revenue officer, I would ensure that the American people are protected from unscrupulous traders by acquiring software that ensures there are strict checks and balances. Operating within the regulations as contained in Federal Acquisition Regulation, software that takes into consideration these requirements will give the Americans value for their money and on the other hand restoring accountability. The government should also have full rights to the software to prevent manipulations.
The regulations in 10 U.S.C 2302(4), 10 U.S.C. 9 subsection (d) (4)). 10 U.S.C. 2320, 10 U.S.C. 232, 10 U.S.C. 2325 and Executive Order 12591 (subsection 1 (b) (6). These sections create the policies for acquiring computer software including its right of use, any modification or reproductions for its use. It also provides for the procedure for disclosure of the software. The provisions provide platforms for implementation.
Conclusion
The federal acquisition regulations are adequate in providing a cushion for American citizens. There is more transparency in government departments. There have also been reduced cases of conflicts of interest (U.S. Government Printing Office, 2011).
References
Keyes, W. N. (2003). Government contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. St. Paul, MN: Thomson/West.
Mackenzie, G. C., & Hafken, M. (2002). Scandal proof: Do ethics laws make government ethical?. Washington, D.C: Brookings Institution Press.
- S. Government Printing Office. (2011). Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Protection of Environment, Parts 72-80, Revised as of July 1, 2011. United States Govt. Printing Office