Online Update: FAR Will Apply to Transportation Security Admin. Procurement by the Transportation Security Administration will be governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation under legislation approved by Congress. TSA’s exemption from small business goals and other FAR provisions was repealed as part of the consolidated appropriations bill. The bill, which funds most agencies for fiscal 2008, was awaiting President Bush’s signature. Senate Small Business Committee Chairman John Kerry, D-MA, sponsored legislation to end the TSA exemption. "By repealing these exemptions, Democrats in Congress have leveled the playing field for small businesses to compete for TSA contracts, and increased accountability to help prevent future mismanagement and waste of taxpayer dollars," Kerry said in a statement. The appropriations bill adds about $40 million to the budget for the Small Business Administration’s core programs. Kerry said the $569 million appropriation is the first real increase in SBA’s budget since President Bush took office.