We have made great strides as Federal agencies have developed catalog systems accessible to all through the World Wide Web. The Web allows users to access information and data on products from multiple Web-sites, often directly from the manufacturer. Cutbacks, deficit reduction actions, and our ongoing quest for improved efficiencies have encouraged major purchasing agencies to move toward Web-based electronic catalogs. OFPP is monitoring the various multi-agency contracting strategies now being employed by GSA, VA, and other agencies to better understand their impact and overall effectiveness. OMB continues to review procurement-related matters on the use of multi agency contracts and will issue additional guidance in the future as appropriate.
Electronic catalogs offer two advantages.
They require fewer resources to make repetitive purchases. And they offer opportunities for agencies to pursue more effective purchasing strategies. They can help us leverage our buying power through volume purchasing. In the fall of 1995, I formed an interagency task force to develop recommendations for Federal electronic catalogs. Several months ago, the group presented a report with guidelines and recommendations for Federal electronic catalogs .