8.001
General
All federal IT acquisitions must comply with capital planning and investment control requirements, regardless of procurement source.
Overview
FAR 8.001 establishes that all information technology (IT) acquisitions, regardless of the source, must comply with federal capital planning and investment control requirements. Specifically, it references the statutory requirements in 40 U.S.C. 11312 and the policy guidance in OMB Circular A-130. This section ensures that agencies follow a disciplined process for planning, acquiring, and managing IT resources, aligning with broader federal IT governance and investment strategies.
Key Rules
- Universal Applicability to IT Acquisitions
- All IT acquisitions, no matter the procurement source, are subject to capital planning and investment control requirements.
- Reference to Statutory and Policy Requirements
- Compliance with 40 U.S.C. 11312 and OMB Circular A-130 is mandatory for IT acquisitions.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure IT acquisitions adhere to capital planning and investment control requirements and reference the appropriate statutes and guidance.
- Contractors: Should be aware that their IT products or services may be subject to additional planning and reporting requirements.
- Agencies: Responsible for oversight, ensuring all IT acquisitions comply with federal investment and planning controls.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to promote effective management and oversight of federal IT investments, reducing waste and ensuring alignment with agency missions.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring additional documentation, planning, and justification for IT purchases.
- Common pitfalls include neglecting to follow capital planning processes or failing to document compliance with OMB Circular A-130.