2006 Marks Completion of Major Milestones for FPDS-NG

It has been a landmark year for the Federal Procurement Data System-Next Generation (FPDS-NG). The Department of Defense (DOD) is now integrated in real-time with FPDS-NG, ensuring that both the public and private sectors have visibility into federal spending.

While the public has immediate free access to FPDS-NG data, there is a 90-day hold on DOD records for security reasons. As of January FY 06, DOD data is publicly available. DOD is the largest provider of data in the system, has over 35,000 users, and is the most visible in terms of statutory achievements. Bringing visibility to this spending has been a key goal of FPDS-NG and this completes the migration of the majority of agencies to FPDS-NG. This was the result of tireless effort by many people, and countless hours of hard work. Congratulations to all involved.

Super-charged FPDS-NG

Recently, FPDS-NG went through a complete technology re-fresh. From extensive hardware and software upgrades through migration to a 10 GB network, the most powerful network now available, FPDS-NG can be sure to deliver reliable and timely service to the extensive government and public user community.

Enhanced Reporting Tool

Over the course of 2006, FPDS-NG integrated the new Informatica reports tool into the system. A reports group, comprised of representatives from across the federal government, was created to adapt the reports from the older software to the newer Informatica software. This group did not simply transfer the old requirements into the new software; they spent a lot of time considering the value of each report – if it was still needed, if it could be improved, and who was the audience.

The Informatica tool itself provides some impressive upgrades. Every report begins at the federal level, the result of many requests from users, with break downs to each department and agency. Every report also contains a drill down feature, allowing the user to get information down to the contract number. Reports can be exported into four different formats, including Microsoft Excel – and all reports can be e-mailed in any format to interested users. The new Ad Hoc feature enables users to easily customize and save their own reports.

FPDS-NG was created with four principles in mind:

The enhanced reporting capability provides another major tool to realize this vision.

Data Timeliness and Accuracy

With increased public awareness and scrutiny of procurement data, FPDS-NG is providing the methods to ensure public confidence in that data. Contracting officers are better able to see all of their data, and thus update it as needed. System Administrators have access to a suite of reports to analyze their department’s data. Senior managers can also assess performance on statutory programs.

Upcoming work for FPDS-NG includes incorporating the Small Business Administration’s new recertification rules, supporting the Federal Financial Accountability and Transparency Act, and evaluating a potential role in strategic sourcing. 2007 promises to be even busier than 2006.