Online Directory a Market Research Tool for Buyers The Office of Management and Budget has announced the rollout of an online directory of all GSA Schedules and governmentwide acquisition contracts. The Inter-Agency Contract Directory (www.contractdirectory.gov) is designed to allow contracting officers to search all those vehicles in a single database. “Agencies will be able to use the Contract Directory as one tool during acquisition planning and market research in deciding whether they are better served by placing an order under an existing contract or pursuing a new open market contract action,” OMB said in an explanation sent to procurement executives. “Users will be able to search for information in various ways, including by principal product or service code or type of procurement instrument. Socio-economic information will also be provided, so agencies may consider small business contracting opportunities. The directory will not allow searches for individual contractors. Instead, it is intended to encourage contracting officers to seek more than one bid. OMB said, “the goal of the Contract Directory is to encourage thoughtful consideration of the capabilities of multiple sources as agencies consider how best to meet their needs.” The system will be operational this fall, after agencies enter contract information into the directory. The database will cover GWACs, multi-agency contracts, Federal Supply Schedule contracts and other procurement instruments intended for multiple agency use, including blanket purchase agreements under FSS contracts.