In plain terms. The Clinger-Cohen Act overhauled how the government buys and manages information technology. It combines two laws: the Information Technology Management Reform Act and the Federal Acquisition Reform Act.
Who it applies to. Federal agencies and their IT acquisition staff — and, through its procurement-integrity rules, everyone involved in federal bids and proposals, including contractors.
What it requires.
- It made several changes to federal acquisition policy.
- Section 4304 added the Procurement Integrity Provision to the U.S. Code, which bars federal employees and agents from knowingly disclosing contractor proposal or source-selection information, and bars anyone from knowingly obtaining that information by unlawful means.
Why it matters. Violating the Procurement Integrity Provision carries serious penalties: up to 5 years in prison, fines up to $50,000 plus twice the compensation gained, cancellation of the solicitation, contract rescission, and suspension or debarment from federal work.
Citation. Pub. L. 104-106 (Feb. 10, 1996); 41 U.S.C. subtitle I, div. B, ch. 21.
OMB Circular A-130; agency CIO authorities (reinforced by FITARA, 2014); capital-planning/investment-control processes.