May 29, 2025
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Julie Dunne, former Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at GSA and now Principal at Monument Advocacy,
Dunne begins by acknowledging the scale and significance of the revisions. She points out that the FAR hasn’t undergone a major modernization in over 40 years. Over time, she says, requirements from both the executive and legislative branches have accumulated, layering complexity onto a system originally designed to streamline acquisition. Now, the rewrite signals a renewed focus on simplifying processes, valuing time, and embracing commercial practices.
One major highlight Dunne discusses is the introduction of sunset clauses for non-statutory FAR provisions. She explains that under the new executive order, any provision that’s not required by law will automatically expire after four years unless the FAR Council decides otherwise. This move, she says, is vital for keeping the rulebook lean and relevant — a way to prevent the buildup of outdated or unnecessary requirements.
Dunne also identifies two major themes emerging from the rewrite: the value of time and the value of commercial solutions. She sees clear indicators in the proposed changes that signal a desire to reduce delays and encourage the use of off-the-shelf products and services where appropriate. These signals, she believes, are encouraging for a workforce that’s often constrained by rigid rules and excessive bureaucracy.
Cultural change, she notes, is key to making the rewrite effective. Dunne references past efforts like the “Mythbusters” campaign from the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, which clarified misconceptions about what the FAR allows. She sees this new wave of reform as an opportunity to empower the acquisition workforce to take smart risks, negotiate with industry, and adopt modern tools — as long as leadership supports them along the way.
Workforce capacity is another major challenge, especially as GSA moves toward consolidating acquisition for common goods and services. Dunne acknowledges that while automation and machine learning tools can help, they won’t solve everything. Effective customer service and an understanding of agency needs remain essential, particularly if GSA is to reclaim some of the acquisition responsibilities that agencies have taken into their own hands.
Looking ahead, Dunne predicts a future with fewer contract vehicles, improved use of technology like on-ramps and refresh clauses, and a more responsive acquisition process. She believes some long-standing contract tools like the schedules and GWACs will evolve but remain central. For her, the ultimate goal is clear: faster, smarter, and more mission-focused acquisition.
Throughout the conversation, Dunne remains optimistic but realistic. The rewrite is a heavy lift, and many details are still taking shape — but the intent is there, the leadership is signaling change, and the workforce is being invited to lead the charge.