Proposals to the U.S. General Services Administration are due soon in a $6 billion procurement under which multiple no-cost contracts will be awarded to vendors that will open electronic marketplaces to federal users making micro-purchases (generally up to $10,000). Although federal purchase card holders have long been able to make micro-purchases with few regulatory constraints regarding competition, transparency or socioeconomic requirements, this new GSA initiative appears likely to normalize and expand those purchases—and so may revolutionize small purchases in the federal market. This article assesses some of the key concerns — including a lack of competition and transparency, cybersecurity threats, most-favored-customer pricing, and open issues regarding bid protests — that still surround this important initiative. 61 Government Contractor ¶ 303 (Oct. 16, 2019). Available at https://ssrn.com/abstract=3471405 , and below.
