SPECIAL NOTICE The revised Acquisition Management System (AMS) was signed by the Acting Administrator on June 2. The revised AMS replaces the original AMS of April 1, 1996. You may access the new AMS, read it, and download a copy via the FAA Acquisition System Toolset(FAST) on the Internet. The address is "http://fast.faa.gov". Help Line: Call 202-267-7029 if you need help or have a question. A timely response will be made, normally within 24 hours. E-Mail: 9.Acquisition.Reform@faa.dot.gov FAX Line: 202-267-8401 MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE The most significant change in the AMS is the establishment of FAST as the official record of the Acquisition Management System. It is the single source for all acquisition management policy, processes, guidance, procurement guidance, clauses, and prescriptions, planning document templates, and other acquisition-related aids for use by everyone in the FAA. It is managed as unified acquisition system through an agency-wide configuration management process. FAST is rapidly being loaded with guidance and processes. Frequent visits to FAST are encouraged to keep up to date with the expansion. A "What's New?" button provides a summary of recent changes and an indication of what is coming in the near future. FAST, as the official record, replaces all existing acquisition orders. A systematic disposition process for all existing orders is underway with the Offices of Primary Responsibility. SUMMARY OF CHANGES In addition to the establishment of FAST and Configuration management of acquisition policy, other significant changes between the original AMS and the new one include: (1) A Mission Analysis Steering Group is established to coordinate mission analysis between the lines of business, and to recommend a priority ranking for all Mission Need Statements. (2) Investment Analysis processes are clarified and strengthened to ensure agency resources are focused on our highest priority mission needs. (3) The six mandatory AMS documents are fully defined and integrated as a unified set to achieve a clear progression from mission need to sponsor requirements to program requirements to acquisition strategy to detailed program implementation actions. (4) The Systems Engineering/Operational Analysis Team (SEOAT) is assigned the responsibility for assessing the affordability of new programs. (5) The Acquisition Program Baseline is established as the primary control for (a) realistic agency planning, programming, and budgeting; (b) full and stable funding for approved acquisition programs; and (c) strict control and accountability of cost, schedule, performance, and benefits. (6) Single source justification is not required for purchases less than $10,000. (7) Dollar thresholds for public announcements are raised from $50,000 to $100,000. (8) The procurement section regarding Resolution of Protests and Contract Disputes is expanded. (9) Language is added to allow personal services contracts. (10) The Acquisition System Configuration Management process is established. (11) Additional functional disciplines are incorporated into policy. (Human Factors, Security, Real Property, In-Service Reviews, et al) WEB: Federal Aviation Administration, http://fast.faa.gov.

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