Modernizing Acquisition: The FAR Overhaul and the Future of Federal Technology

Presented by HP

This week on Fed Gov Today, federal acquisition and technology leaders explore the intersection of innovation and efficiency across government. Rich Persinger, General Manager for Federal Civilian and Intelligence at HP, outlines how artificial intelligence is already transforming mission delivery and enterprise IT across agencies. Larry Allen, Associate Administrator for Government-wide Policy at the General Services Administration, provides an inside look at the “Revolutionary FAR Overhaul,” a sweeping modernization of the government’s procurement playbook. Together, these conversations chart a course for smarter spending, stronger partnerships, and more agile acquisition strategies across the federal enterprise.

Unlocking AI's Full Potential for Federal Missions

Rich Persinger describes a federal landscape on the brink of exponential AI adoption, with more than 2,000 active use cases and growing. He explains how agencies are using AI to deliver better citizen services, enhance cybersecurity, and optimize internal operations—from procurement to personnel management. Persinger emphasizes the dual power of AI: improving service quality while dramatically increasing operational efficiency.

He also discusses the shifting business dynamics in the federal space. As government priorities evolve and acquisition models consolidate, small businesses face new challenges—but also new opportunities. Persinger highlights HP’s ongoing commitment to working with small business partners who clearly articulate their value, align with federal missions, and are fully invested in the government market. The key, he says, is clarity of purpose and a willingness to adapt to a fast-changing environment.

Key Takeaways

• AI is accelerating mission delivery and back-office efficiency across government—especially in areas like cybersecurity, infrastructure monitoring, and citizen services.

• Small businesses remain essential partners in federal contracting, provided they are clear about their capabilities and committed to federal mission outcomes.

• The business model is evolving, and firms must adapt to tighter procurement cycles, fewer contract vehicles, and heightened expectations for value.

Rewriting the Rules: Inside the FAR Overhaul

Larry Allen shares an ambitious vision for modernizing the federal acquisition process through the “Revolutionary FAR Overhaul,” a multi-phase effort to streamline regulations, encourage commercial item acquisition, and empower contracting officers with greater flexibility. The GSA-led initiative is currently revising more than two-thirds of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), with a focus on plain language, fewer rules, and real-time adaptability through temporary deviations.

Allen stresses that the overhaul isn’t just regulatory—it’s cultural. He aims to change how acquisition professionals think about risk, shifting from rigid rule-following to strategic problem-solving. He highlights the role of training institutions like the Federal Acquisition Institute and Defense Acquisition University in preparing the workforce for this new mindset.

Key Takeaways

• The FAR overhaul will simplify acquisition by removing outdated rules and prioritizing commercial item procurement.

• Cultural change is essential—contracting officers must be empowered and supported to take smart risks that improve outcomes.

• TDR is becoming the pricing backbone of the schedules program, enabling faster, data-driven procurement decisions.