**GAO-03-281**                      Published: Jan 15, 2003. Publicly Released: Feb 14, 2003.                  

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## Highlights

The federal government is dramatically changing the way it purchases goods and services by relying more on judgment and initiative versus rigid rules for making purchasing decisions. Congress has enacted a series of reforms to help the government adapt to this environment. GAO was asked to assess strategies agencies are using to ensure that their acquisition workforces are receiving the training needed to operate in a changing business environment. In doing so, GAO looked at the General Services Administration (GSA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). GAO also looked at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) because it is exempt from federal acquisition laws, giving it greater flexibility and discretion.

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## Topics

Government Operations

EducationFederal procurementEmployee trainingFederal procurement policyComparative analysisDefense acquisition workforceLabor forceProcurementU.S. ArmyFederal acquisition