35 FCAYSK (Federal Contracting Acronyms You Should Know)
We know that the extensive use of acronyms in federal contracting can become a bit confusing, so we’re here to help. Whether you need a quick review or a guide for new insight, this list will surely come in handy for navigating the industry’s overwhelming number of acronyms.
Can you decode the following?:
eSimplicity delivers game-changing services, including AI Advisory, ML, API and RF, to clients such as the DOD, DHS and CMS through IDIQ, BPA and GSA Schedule contract vehicles.
If you had some difficulty deciphering this sentence, then definitely read on!
1. AI: Artificial Intelligence
Branch of computer science concerned with the simulation of human intelligence in machines. Read more about our AI services here.
2. API: Application Programming Interface
Software intermediary that defines interactions between multiple applications. Read all about API here.
3. BAFO: Best and Final Offer
Contractor’s final offer that follows the conclusion of discussions for negotiated procurements.
4. BPA: Blanket Purchase Agreement
Simplified acquisition method that government agencies use to fill anticipated, repetitive needs for supplies or services. We partnered with Ventera for our Agile Delivery to Execute Legislative Endeavors (ADELE) BPA to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs.
5. CMMI: Capability Maturity Model Integration
Process level improvement training and appraisal program often required by government contracts in software development. In January we were appraised at level 3 of the CMMI for Development (CMMI-DEV)!
6. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Federal agency with the Department of Health and Human Services that provides health coverage to millions of Americans through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Health Insurance Marketplace. We have about 12 projects with CMS that help improve healthcare quality, expand care coverage and lower cost.
7. CO: Contracting Officer
Person with the authority to enter into, administer, terminate contracts and make related determinations.
8. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Review System
Web-based application that collects and manages the library of Contractor Performance Assessment Reports.
9. DHS: Department of Homeland Security
Federal executive department that works to improve national security. Our Data Ops Team works with Palantir to customize and implement its technologies for DHS field agents.
10. DOD: Department of Defense
Provides the military forces needed to deter war and protect national security. Read about how our Telecommunications engineers help the DOD implement spectrum management.
11. DUNS: Data Universal Numbering System
Nine-digit number used by federal contractors to identify businesses on a location-specific basis. Our unique DUNS number is 080019191.
12. eSRS: Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System
Provides the government with insight into how its contracting dollars are being distributed among small and disadvantaged businesses.
13. FAR: Federal Acquisition Regulation
Rules for the government procurement process.
14. FAS: Federal Acquisition Service
Acquisition and procurement sector of the federal government that offers equipment, supplies, telecommunications and integrated information technology solutions to federal agencies.
15. FPDS: Federal Procurement Data System
A system in which government agencies are responsible for collecting and reporting data on federal procurements.
16. FSS: Federal Supply Schedule (also known as Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) and GSA Schedule)
Long-term government-wide contracts with commercial companies that provide access to commercial products and services at reasonable prices to the government. Our GSA MAS includes categories in It and Health IT, and Professional Services.
17. GSA: General Services Administration
Manages federal property and provides contracting options for government agencies.
18. GWAC: Government-Wide Acquisition Contract
Pre-competed, multiple-award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract that agencies can use to buy IT solutions.
19. HCD: Human-Centered Design
Approach to developing solutions by considering the human perspective throughout the problem-solving process. We take an HCD approach to facilitating digital modernization for CMS.
20. HUBZone: Historically Underutilized Business Zone
Program for small businesses that operate and employ people in areas with economic needs. Read more about the HUBZone in our blog post!
21. IDIQ: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity
Contract used when the exact delivery date or quantity is not specified during the contract period until a task order is issued. We have five IDIQs that provide various healthcare and digital services solutions.
22. IMT: International Mobile Telecommunications
Refers to the requirements issued by the Radiocommunication Sector of the International Telecommunication Union for 5G networks, devices and services.
23. ML: Machine Learning
An application of AI that focuses on computer algorithms that iteratively improve through experience. Our data science team implements ML for CMS and the USPTO.
24. NAICS: North American Industrial Classification Standard
Classifies businesses to collect, analyze, and publish statistical data related to the business economy. Our primary NAICS code is 541512 to indicate Computer Systems Design Services.
25. ORCA: Online Representations and Certifications Application (now part of SAM)
Former government repository for contractor submitted representations and certifications needed for conducting business with the government.
26. PCO: Procurement Contracting Officer
Issues legal contracts between the US Government and the contracting entity.
27. PO: Purchase Order
Commercial document issued by a buyer to a seller that indicates types, quantities and agreed prices for products or services the seller provides.
28. RF: Radio Frequency
Measurement of the oscillation rate from electromagnetic radiation spectrum. It is the suitable frequency band for telecommunications. eSimplicity provides RF engineering expertise to protect and advocate for Navy spectrum operations in a congested spectrum environment.
29. RFI: Request for Information
Process agencies use before releasing an RFP or RFQ to measure interest or determine whether there is a vendor who can provide a product/service.
30. RFP: Request for Proposal
Document used for soliciting proposals by an agency or company interested in procurement.
31. SAM: System for Award Management
The federal government website where contractors register to do business with the government.
32. SATCOM: Satellite Communication
Airborne radio telephone communication via satellite. eSimplicity offers expertise on satellite planning, coordination and certifications for all satellite systems (LEO, MEO, HEO, GSO).
33. SBA: Small Business Administration
Federal agency dedicated to offering counseling, capital, and contracting expertise to small businesses. The SBA administers our small business certifications!
34. SIN: Special Item Number
Category of products or services used on the GSA Schedules. For our GSA MAS, our SINs include 541330ENG (previously SINs 871–1, 871–2, 871–3), 54151HEAL (previously SIN 132–56), 54151S (previously SIN 132–51) and 541611 (previously SIN 874–1).
35. WOSB: Woman-Owned Small Business
A small business that is at least 51% owned by women and has women manage day-to-day operations as well as make long-term decisions. eSimplicity is a certified WOSB co-founded by AnhThu Nguyen.
Comment any other need-to-know acronyms in the industry — because the possibilities are endless!
