Modernizing Federal Procurement: Embracing AI, Automation, and Bold Change

Federal procurement is overdue for modernization. While designed for accountability, the system has become inefficient, slow, and overly complex. The result? Lengthy procurement cycles, misalignment between contracting and program offices, and IT failures that cost taxpayers millions. The root cause isn’t just bureaucracy—it’s outdated technology and processes that hinder agility and transparency.

The good news? The tools to fix this already exist. Instead of reinforcing legacy systems that no longer serve their purpose, we must fully commit to transformation.

To make this shift, we need to take bold steps:

  1. Burn the Boats – Stop propping up outdated systems. Full-scale modernization is the only path forward.
  2. Leverage AI – Automate compliance, improve accuracy, and provide real-time insights for better contracting decisions.
  3. Streamline workflows – Reduce manual processes and introduce automation to speed up execution.
  4. Ensure interoperability – Connect procurement with financial and budgeting systems to improve oversight and efficiency.
  5. Drive cultural and policy shifts – Update regulations and train the workforce to embrace modern acquisition practices.

A key enabler of this transformation is the Government Acquisition Modernization System (GAMS). GAMS leverages AI, automation, and cloud-based solutions to accelerate procurement, enhance visibility, and improve decision-making. By implementing GAMS, agencies can bridge the gap between contracting officers and program offices, ensuring more efficient procurement operations and better outcomes for government initiatives.

This is a generational opportunity to reshape federal procurement. By embracing technology-driven solutions like GAMS, we can make government acquisitions faster, more transparent, and more effective—without sacrificing accountability. The time to act is now.

By Sean Wybenga, Federal Acquisitions SME