The revised FAR Part 11 aligns with the Trump administration’s emphasis on commercial item acquisition, flexibility and reduced regulatory burden. According to the Practitioner Album, many provisions were consolidated or eliminated to “ensure requirements are clear, aligned with commercial practices, and avoid overly prescriptive specifications that limit competition.” Other notable highlights from the revised part include a stronger emphasis on performance-based requirements and the elimination of outdated or redundant clauses to better support commercial item acquisitions.
Performance-Based and Commercially Aligned Requirements
Consistent with statutory requirements, the policy under FAR Part 11 mandates agencies to articulate requirements for acquiring supplies or services in terms of:
- The functions to be performed
- The performance required
- The essential physical characteristics of the item or service
This approach moves agencies away from rigid technical specifications and toward more flexible, performance-based contracting. It encourages proposals offering commercial and non-developmental solutions that satisfy the agency’s core needs rather than narrowly defined technical specifications. Contractors should prepare to place greater emphasis on demonstrating performance outcomes and functional capabilities in their proposals.
Sustainability
Sustainable procurement remains a priority. FAR 11.102(d)(1) mandates that agencies “shall procure sustainable products and services” and integrate sustainability into acquisition requirements where feasible. This continued focus gives contractors a strategic advantage when offering eco-friendly solutions.