A technology trade association has called on House and Senate conferees to retain in the final fiscal 2019 defense policy bill a provision that would restrict the use of “lowest price technically acceptable” contracting method in government-wide procurements of information technology and cyber security platforms.BSAÂ | The Software Alliance wrote in a Wednesday letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committees that the use of LPTA hampers investment in cyber security.
“When it comes to more complex acquisitions involving multiple technical variables or functions, such as innovative information technology or cyber security services, LPTA’s priority of price over value leads to acquisition outcomes that actually prevent the government from getting the most for its money,†Craig Albright, vice president at the BSA | The Software Alliance, wrote.
The trade group said the Defense Department has initiated efforts to limit LPTA use through its Better Buying Power program and that Congress should support the measure in order for other agencies to follow suit and ensure the security of IT systems.
Reps. Don Beyer, D-Va., and Mark Meadows, R-N.C., proposed the provision, Section 886, in the House’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2019.
