OMB Issues Circular A-137: Strategic Management of Acquisition Data and Information

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued Circular No. A-137 on May 14, 2024, which aims to improve the management of acquisition data across federal agencies. The Circular sets forth a comprehensive strategy for leveraging acquisition data as a strategic resource to achieve more efficient and effective federal procurements.

The Circular includes several key points:

• Strategic Data Management: Agencies are directed to treat acquisition data as a valuable asset, promoting interoperability, sharing, and analysis across the government.
• Hi-Def Acquisitions: The Circular introduces a Hi-Definition (Hi-Def) approach for agencies to access relevant data easily for informed procurement decisions.
• Centralized Data Framework: It establishes a centralized policy framework to enhance data interoperability and sharing between agencies, supported by a Hi-Def Environment (HDE).
• Agency Responsibilities: Agencies must collect and share acquisition data, including prices paid, contract files, and other relevant information, while ensuring data security and privacy.

To supplement Circular A-137, OMB also published a 5-page Preamble to OMB Circular A-137, Strategic Management of Acquisition Data and Information (PDF), as well as a FACT SHEET: OMB Circular A-137, Strategic Management of Acquisition Data and Information (PDF).