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HHS Acquisition Policies and Guidance

On this site, we provide information about HHS acquisition policies, procedures, and worktools. HHS has strict acquisition policies and guidelines to enable proper contracting to meet program goals, objectives, and performance measures, as well as providing the public with openness about the oversight of taxpayer-funded resources.

Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR)

The HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) implements and supplements the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and provides the regulatory framework for conducting acquisitions across the Department. The HHSAR is managed by the HHS Office of Grants and Acquisition Policy and Accountability.  You can search or browse the HHSAR to learn about how HHS regulates HHS contracting.

Acquisition Policy Memoranda (APM) 

Policy memos provide detailed interpretive information for contracting programs.

Acquisition Policy Implementation Guidance

Implementation guidance provides detailed instructions about policy procedures for meeting the requirements of laws and/or policies. Interim guidance is also included, when needed.

Class Deviations

The Division of Acquisition issues “class deviations” when necessary to allow HHS organizations to deviate from the FAR as appropriate to ensure contracting integrity.

HHS Acquisition Worktools

HHS provides a number of worktools to assist staff in planning, developing, and implementing procurements with the highest of quality. Tools include “Desk” References, Checklists, Templates, and Acquisition Guides.

Acquisition Workforce Planning and Certification

The better planned, trained, and certified the Acquisition workforce is, the better the outcomes for all Department acquisitions. HHS provides guidance on hiring flexibilities, workforce planning, and certification programs.

Procurement System Information

HHS is reducing the number of duplicative acquisition systems to streamline and standardize our procurement processes across the Department. Additionally, information is available about Privacy Policy and the System of Records and contract data reliability.