| Statement of the
Acquisition Executive In an era of shrinking budgets and greater demand for modernization of the national airspace system, the agency's ability to move quickly and efficiently to implement new technology will become even more critical. In the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996, Public Law 104-264, Congress recognized that the FAA is a "unique Federal entity in that it is a participant in the daily operations of an industry," operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year while delivering a safe and efficient air transportation system. Since its establishment on April 1, 1996, the Federal Aviation Administration
Acquisition Management System (AMS) has dramatically improved the agency's acquisition
process by creating a framework for informed and innovative decision-making within
integrated product teams. This revision builds on those achievements and places increased
emphasis on fundamental lifecycle acquisition principles that will further increase the
quality of services and supplies acquired by the agency, reduce acquisition time, and
decrease the cost of delivering needed services to customers. Additionally, this revision
underscores the importance of an improved workforce learning system and metrics and
performance management in achieving an effective and efficient acquisition process. These
acquisition reforms, along with anticipated budget reform, will move the agency closer to
the congressional goal of providing the agency with a "new way of doing
business" to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing aviation industry while
ensuring the safety of the traveling public. George L. Donohue Acquisition Executive |