GSA takes steps to remove DEI from federal contracts

Source: WashTech

The General Services Administration’s new class deviations will likely lead to a formal rulemaking process that would more permanently enshrine the Trump administration’s desire to outlaw diversity, equity and inclusion provisions in government contracting.

Both deviations issued are GSA’s move to implement the Trump executive order entitled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit Based Opportunity.” GSA is making changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation that will let contracting officers amend and modify current solicitations and contracts without penalty to the government or contract holder.

Agencies can use the modifications to remove contract clauses that promote DEI or have DEI considerations as contract requirements. GSA Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum called the deviations “the first steps in transforming the FAR into a sensible, common-sense guideline to ensure that the federal government is working with industry as an attractive partner for business.”

In addition to rolling back DEI programs, the Trump administration has emphasized streamlining government operations as a priority.

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