Subject: Clarification – Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul (RFO) FAR 5.302 Public Announcement

Purpose: To clarify VA’s requirements for posting the public announcement required by RFO FAR 5.302.

FAR Parts Referenced: RFO part 5

Effective Date: Immediately.

Background: Recent changes to RFO FAR part 5 may have created confusion concerning the requirements for posting public announcements notice, pursuant to RFO FAR 5.302. This Acquisition Policy Flash offers guidance regarding the notice, and ensures alignment with RFO FAR 5.002, which requires notices to be posted in the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE).

Applicability: Contract actions over $5.5 million, except those that are exempt by RFO FAR 5.302 (b).

Action Required: The public announcement mandated by RFO FAR 5.302 must be posted in the GPE, as required by RFO FAR 5.002. Per RFO FAR 5.302, this announcement is currently separate from—and in addition to—the award notice requirements specified in RFO FAR 5.301. VA contends this is a duplicative requirement as written and does not meet the intent of Executive Order 14192, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation. Pending further clarification from the FAR Council on RFO FAR 5.302 requirement, the award notice will service as the public announcement. VA will provide updates when further clarification from the FAR Council on this requirement is attained.

Additional Information: Direct questions or concerns regarding this Acquisition Flash to the Office of Acquisition and Logistics (003A), Procurement Policy and Warrant Management Service (003A2A), at va.procurement.policy@va.gov.