BUREAU OF Global acquisitions (GA)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
(Office of Origin: GA)
1 FAM 351 SUMMARY
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
This subchapter details roles and responsibilities for the Bureau of Global Acquisitions (GA) at the Department of State.
1 FAM 351.1 Director Responsibilities
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Director of Global Acquisitions (GA):
(1) Holds a rank equivalent to an Assistant Secretary;
(2) Is designated as Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO) for the Department;
(3) Reports directly to the Under Secretary for Management (M);
(4) Advises and assists the Secretary and other Department officials to confirm that the mission of the Department is achieved through the management of the Department’s acquisition activities;
(5) Is responsible for establishing program priorities and approving preparation of budget estimates for the bureau;
(6) Is responsible for monitoring the performance of acquisition activities and acquisition programs of the Department;
(7) Evaluates the performance of those programs on the basis of applicable performance measurements, and advises the Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, and Under Secretary for Management regarding the appropriate business strategy to achieve the mission of the Department;
(8) To the extent possible and where applicable, increases the use of full and open competition in the acquisition of property and services by the Department by establishing policies, procedures, and practices that ensure that the Department receives a sufficient number of sealed bids or competitive offers from responsible sources to fulfill the Department’s requirements (including performance and delivery schedules) at the lowest cost or best value considering the nature of the property or service procured;
(9) Supervises the use of the Procurement Shared Services working capital fund in accordance with Congressional limitations, program objectives and policies of the President and the Secretary;
(10) Oversees services and governance of the Department’s acquisition enterprise;
(11) Provides support to the Office of Small Business Programs (GA/OSBP), which is attached to GA for administrative purposes;
(12)Facilitates collaboration between OSBP and the other directorates in Global Acquisitions (GA);
(13)Reviews discretionary awards as needed for consistency;
(14)Assists in the review of new funding opportunities and discretionary grants to confirm consistency with Department priorities;
(15)Reports to the Secretary on the progress made in improving acquisition management capability as requested;
(16)Assesses the requirements established for agency personnel regarding knowledge and skill in acquisition resources management and the adequacy of those requirements for facilitating the achievement of the performance goals established for acquisition management; Makes acquisition decisions consistent with all applicable laws and establishes clear lines of authority, accountability, and responsibility for acquisition decision making within the Department;
(17)Manages the direction of acquisition policy for the Department, including implementation of the unique acquisition policies, regulations, and standards of the Department; and
(18)Liaises with the other USG agencies, Congress, and industry on all aspects of the acquisition for the Department; and Performs such other functions as may be delegated by the Secretary of State or M.
1 FAM 351.2 Organization
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
An organization chart of the Bureau of Global Acquisitions (GA) is found in 1 FAM Exhibit 351.2.
NOTE: This section is currently being updated.
1 FAM 351.3 Authorities
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
Global Acquisitions operates under a wide range of statutes and regulations, including the following authorities:
(1) The biennial State Department authorization acts and annual appropriations acts;
(2) Existing bodies of organic law, including the State Department Basic Authorities Act;
(3) The Foreign Service Act of 1980;
(4) The Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act;
(5) Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act, 31 U.S.C. 6301 – 6308;
(6) General regulatory guidance promulgated by OMB;
(7) OMB Circular A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions;
(8) OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Government;
(9) OMB Circular A-102, Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments;
(10) OMB Circular A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations;
(11) OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations;
(12)OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations;
(13)Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 48 CFR Chapter 1
(14) Department of State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR), 48 CFR Chapter 6;
(15) Competition in Contracting Act of 1984, 41 U.S.C. 3304;
(16) Public Law 95-507, Section 221, The Small Business Act;
(17) Public Law 100-656, Sections 502 and 503, The Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988;
(18) Public Law 105-135, The HUBZone Act of 1997;
(19) Public Law 103-355 (10/1994);
(20) Executive Order 13157 (05/23/2000), Increasing Opportunities for Women-Owned Small Business;
(21) Executive Order 13170 (10/06/2000), Increasing Opportunities and Access for Disadvantaged Businesses;
(22) Public Law 106-50, Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 (08/17/1999);
(23) Public Law 108-183, Veterans Benefit Act of 2003, that creates a procurement set-aside program for small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans (12/16/2003); and
(24) Other authorities established per statute or executive order, as appropriate.
1 FAM 352 IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
1 FAM 352.1 Principal Deputy Director
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Principal Deputy Director of Global Acquisitions (GA):
(1) Reports directly to the Director of GA;
(2) Serves as the Department’s Deputy CAO when delegated;
(3) Has the rank administratively equivalent to a Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS);
(4) When designated, the Principal Deputy Director serves as Acting Director of GA;
(5) Responsible for interfacing with a global customer and stakeholder base and providing acquisition support services (i.e., management, business solutions, and process improvement) in alignment with the Department's mission;
(6) Manages the directorates as requested; and
(7) Performs such duties as may be assigned or delegated by the Director of GA.
1 FAM 352.2 Office of Business Management Solutions (GA/BMS)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Office of Business Management Solution (BMS):
(1) Is responsible providing comprehensive management, operations, and administrative support to GA and its employees;
(2) Oversees GA's operational budget and planning, organizational control, acquisition data and systems management and analytics, financial management, procurement shared services solutions, and administrative support services;
(3) Liaises with the Under Secretary for Management, Office of the Executive Director (M/EX) as necessary on transformation, change management, and human capital and workplace solutions, workforce management and succession planning, position management and classification, recruitment and retention, and employee relations for GA;
(4) Is the steward of category management activity, innovation, and Acquisition Experience for GA; and
(5) Liaises with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services (CGFS) managing the Procurement Shared Services cost center.
1 FAM 353 managing director for acquisition management (GA/AM)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Managing Director for Acquisition Management (GA/AM):
(1) Is the rank equivalent of a Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) and reports directly to the CAO pursuant to statute;
(2) Is the Department’s Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) with additional responsibilities:
a. Has Department-wide responsibility to issue general acquisition policy, provide advice and guidance to the Department’s domestic and foreign contracting offices and staff, and promote innovation.
b. Leads efforts to ensure modular contracts for IT, including orders for increments or useful segments of work, are awarded within 180 days after the solicitation is issued (see OMB Circular A-130);
c. Confirms that all contracting professionals assigned to acquisitions consisting primarily of digital services over the FAR Subpart 13.5 certain commercial item threshold, currently $7.5 million (or $15 million for acquisitions as described in 13.500(c)), obtain a FAC-C core-plus specialization in digital services (FAC-C-DS) certification by successfully completing Digital IT Acquisition Professional Training (DITAP). The SPE may grant waivers to this requirement.
(3) Is responsible for establishing a centralized, shared services procurement operation; Facilitates Department missions through procurement of IT technologies, cybersecurity, telecommunications, infrastructure, software, and professional IT services;
(4) Provides high-level procurement support through stakeholder engagement, acquisition planning, and alignment with organizational capabilities;
(5) Supports business-related services such as staffing, advisory, consular/medical support, logistics, contingency operations, and regional mission programs;
(6) Delivers a global presence to meet Department demand signals and is the first choice in service delivery for all Department acquisition programs and needs; and
(7) Is designated as the Department's Suspension and Debarment Official pursuant to DOSAR 609.402and is responsible for issuing decisions on whether or not to take administrative actions that prevent companies and individuals from participating in government contracts, subcontracts, loans, grants, and other assistance programs.
1 FAM 353.1 Office of Diplomatic Mission Support (GA/AM/DMS)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Office of Diplomatic Mission Support (GA/AM/DMS):
(1) Oversees the global diplomatic mission operations through providing contracting expertise for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities globally as well as the procurement of security goods and services including guard services, police and antiterrorism training, weapons, armored vehicles, investigative and vetting services, and security staffing;
(2) The Deputy Head of Contracting Activity (HCA) for Facilities supports procurement activities related to the construction of new facilities and the remodeling of existing facilities. This includes architecture and engineering needs along with major and minor construction projects. This deputy HCA is also responsible for the procurement activity related to ongoing facility operations and maintenance; and
(3) The Deputy HCA for Security supports the procurement of all overseas guard services, protective services in high threat areas, and equipment and services related to security and antiterrorism training programs. This deputy HCA is also responsible for the procurement activity related to security services staffing and countermeasures supplies.
1 FAM 353.2 The Office of Technology & Support (GA/AM/TSS)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Office of Technology and Support Services (GA/AM/TSS):
(1) Enables Department missions through oversight of the procurement of necessary technologies and IT expertise, including cyber security, compliance, and forensics products, telecommunications equipment and services, IT infrastructure and equipment, software applications, and IT strategic, development, and operations professional services;
(2) Supports the procurement of services related to business functions, research and education, data analytics, professional staffing, management advisory services, consular support, medical support, contingency operations, key regional programs, aviation, and transportation and logistics;
(3) The Deputy HCA for IT and Cyber supports all IT, telecommunications, and cyber security procurement activities. This includes IT infrastructure, equipment, and application/software. This deputy HCA is also responsible for the procurement activity related to ongoing IT strategy, operations, services, and end user support; and
(4) The Deputy HCA for Services supports all professional and business-related procurement activities. This includes business-related services such as financial and legal support as well as educational and research services. This deputy HCA is also responsible for the procurement activity related to professional staffing, advisory, and specialty services such as medical or consular support needs. Additionally, the deputy HCA for Services will include procurement activities related to support for key regional mission programs and contingency operations as well as transportation and logistics equipment and services.
1 FAM 353.3 Office of Procurement Advisory Support Services (GA/AM/PASS)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Office of Procurement Advisory Support Services (GA/AM/PASS):
(1) Provides high-level procurement support to the Department's acquisition community through stakeholder engagement, acquisition planning, and optimal alignment to GA's procurement capabilities; and
(2) Is responsible for contract support to the Department’s acquisition community through cost-price analysis, contract closeout activities, and compliance and audit support.
1 FAM 354 MANAGING DIRECTOR for acquisition & assistance policy (GA/AP)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Managing Director for Acquisition & Assistance Policy (GA/AP):
(1) Is the rank equivalent of a Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS);
(2) Is responsible for centralized acquisition and federal assistance policy, training, and oversight functions;
(3) Leads the Department’s liaison activities with OMB for rulemaking and policy collaboration and adoption;
(4) Prescribes the Department's federal assistance policies, regulations, and procedures; and
(5) Is responsible for developing, issuing, and maintaining operational guidance, procedures, and policy for all Department of State Federal Assistance programs domestically and abroad (e.g., grants, cooperative agreements, contributions, and similar instruments).
1 FAM 354.1 Office of Policy & Oversight (GA/AP/PO)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Office of Policy & Oversight (GA/AP/PO):
(1) Prescribes the Department's acquisition policies, regulations, and procedures;
(2) Determines the effect of new or proposed acquisition or assistance legislation, Executive orders, or regulations on, or implements same, into the Department's acquisition or assistance policy and procedures;
(3) Participates in developing U.S. Government-wide acquisition or assistance policies, regulations, and standards and represents the Department on councils, in particular, the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council, interagency task forces, and working groups;
(4) Develops and maintains a procurement career management program to ensure an adequate professional workforce, to include approving Department acquisitions training curricula; and
(5) Is responsible for the policy, oversight, and administrative functions of the Department's worldwide purchase card program.
1 FAM 355 managing director for federal assistance management (GA/FAM)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Managing Director for Federal assistance Management (GA/FAM):
(1) Is the rank equivalent of a Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS); and
(2) Is responsible for executing a shared services federal assistance and grantmaking operation.
NOTE: This section is currently being updated.
1 FAM 355.1 Office of Federal Assistance (GA/FAM/FA)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Office of Federal Assistance (GA/FAM/FA):
NOTE: This section is currently being updated.
1 FAM 356 Office of Small Business Programs (GA/OSBP)
(CT:ORG-709; 01-02-2026)
The Office of Small Business Programs (GA/OSBP), also known as The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU):
(1) Is responsible for the implementation and supervision of the Department’s procurement activities related to small business and socio-economic groups designated by law, in accordance with Public Law 95-507 and other public laws related to small business utilization;
(2) Ensures that legislative mandates and Executive orders regarding small business programs are carried out, and formulates policies to implement such legislation; GA/OSBP provides guidance to Department bureaus and offices regarding legislation and implementing regulations;
(3) Acts as an advocate within the Department for small businesses seeking acquisition opportunities. OSBP conducts outreach, counseling, and liaison programs for such businesses and Department staff;
(4) Establishes Department/Small Business Administration (SBA) jointly negotiated goals for small businesses. OSBP evaluates performance vis-ą-vis goals achievements and prepares reports to Congress, SBA, and other executive agencies, as required, on the Department's performance;
(5) Is responsible for other intra- and inter-agency liaison and activities related to small businesses designated by law;
(6) Serves as the third-party signatory on contracts entered into under authority of the SBA’s 8(a) business development program under the Partnership Agreement between the Small Business Administration and the Department of State;
(7) Conducts an annual review of the Department's domestic contracting activity as it relates to small businesses. OSBP provides a written copy of the assessment and has it available for the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, Director of the Bureau of Global Acquisitions, and to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; and
(8) The Office Director of GA/OSBP reports directly to the Deputy Secretary of State concerning its policies and activities, in accordance with Section 15 (k) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 644(k) . For administrative and coordination purposes OSBP is housed within GA.