Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement

Executive Order 14275, titled Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement, directs a sweeping reform of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) framework to make federal procurement faster, simpler, and more focused on essential statutory requirements and national security. The order signals a shift away from a 2,000-plus-page regulatory regime toward a streamlined system by: (1) requiring the FAR to contain only provisions mandated by statute or necessary for simplicity, usability, efficacy, or national/economic security; (2) pushing for a major FAR reform within 180 days; (3) aligning agency supplements to the FAR and pursuing expedited, streamlined acquisitions; (4) incorporating sunset provisions so nonstatutory provisions expire after four years unless renewed; and (5) maintaining general agency authority and budget processes while not creating legal rights. The initiative leans on a broader deregulation framework (referencing Executive Order 14192) to achieve a ten-for-one deregulation goal in agency supplemental rules and guidance. The overall aim is to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, accelerate procurement timelines, and bolster the robustness of the procurement system, while preserving core statutory authorities and budgetary constraints. The reforms are framed as improving efficiency, protecting economic and national security interests, and supporting a more agile procurement process across federal agencies and their suppliers.