The Brooks Act, Is it Relevant Today?

This paper analyzes the long term effect of Congressional legislation and how it affects the acquisition process. Understanding the basics behind the Brooks Act and how the environment surrounding information technology IT acquisitions has changed, is necessary to make an evaluation of how this Act affects the acquisition of Automated Data Processing Equipment ADPE. After synthesizing the bottom-line necessity for the Act, a progression through the laws subsequent changes, and a review of legislative, environmental and Governmental changes that occurred since 1965, it was conclude that the Congressional intent behind the Brooks Act has been overcome by events and the Act and various Governmental regulations should be eliminated to allow Federal agencies and employees the ability to adjust to rapidly changing technologies. Recommendations included repeal of the Brooks Act andor implementation of National Performance Review NPR and other acquisition streamlining initiatives.