GSA is preparing an AI-specific acquisition reform rule

The General Services Administration is developing changes to artificial intelligence acquisition provisions within its general rules that will prioritize a firm fixed-price procurement model and reduce hurdles to agency adoption, according to two people familiar with the proceedings. In the coming weeks, the agency is planning to debut a draft AI acquisition rule for addition into the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation. The new rule is part of GSA's effort to balance implementing AI procurement rules that encourage market growth and foster competition while benefitting government buyers and taxpayers. To do so, the rule will focus on removing bureaucratic rules and hurdles to commercial item acquisition, including AI and IT software. Per the rules, resellers and partners will remain part of GSA's business strategy, but the agency is also trying to make itself a more predictable business partner to original equipment manufacturers, including AI developers. It's not going to be a one size fits all solution, the same person told Nextgov/FCW. In addition to the AI-focused draft rule, new Federal Acquisition Regulation rule updates are also underway and are set to continue overhauling the government procurement process. These updates are intended to be finalized at the end of the fiscal year, pending approval