Murphy defines goals as new acquisition chief

The General Services Administration's new chief acquisition officer wants to focus on the agency's compliance with federal acquisition rules, the skills of its acquisition workforce and small businesses' participation in federal procurements.

Emily Murphy, appointed Feb. 22, laid out her goals for the federal procurement agency yesterday at a CMA Executive Forum in McLean, Va. It was the first time she publicly addressed industry since taking over the position.

Murphy said she would like to increase emphasis on GSA's "Get it Right" program to ensure procurement officials' do their jobs in line with federal acquisition regulations.

She also said she hoped to assess the skills and competency levels of the acquisition workforce.

Murphy said it is important that the agency achieve its socioeconomic objectives, specifically by identifying opportunities to increase the participation of small businesses in federal procurements.

Murphy's office was created last June under the Services Acquisition Reform Act of 2003, legislation spearheaded by Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), chairman of the House Government Reform Committee, to strengthen GSA's acquisition activities and assure that its agency customers receive outstanding service.

As GSA's chief acquisition officer, Murphy is responsible for ensuring compliance with procurement laws, guaranteeing full and open competition for contract awards, developing the acquisition workforce, overseeing acquisition decision-making, and ensuring excellent service through "Get It Right."

Murphy previously worked at the Small Business Administration where she was both senior adviser for government contracting and business development and the acting associate administrator for government contracting. Before SBA, Murphy specialized in government contracts law and legislative affairs at the law firm of Wiley Rein & Fielding LLP.