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ARTICLE · 21 FEBRUARY 2025

GSA Issues FAR Class Deviations Implementing DEI Requirements

Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
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On February 15, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced two new "class deviations" (CDs) making a number of changes to the procurement rules applicable to GSA solicitations and contracts...

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Richard W. Arnholt
Richard W. Arnholt

On February 15, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced two new "class deviations" (CDs) making a number of changes to the procurement rules applicable to GSA solicitations and contracts, including leases of real property.

This deviation process is authorized by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 1.4, which allows agencies to make rapid changes to the procurement rules in advance of regulatory action "when necessary to meet the specific needs and requirements of each agency," a process that was notably used to implement the government contractor COVID-19 vaccination requirements imposed by executive order (EO). It is almost certainly the first of many deviations we will see from federal agencies as they move to implement the flurry of EOs issued since January 20.

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