Federal Procurement Data Systems – Next Generation (FPDS-NG) Data Validation

Pursuant to FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) - nly one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level or quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized (FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B)); PotomacWave Consulting is the only known source that can provide an exisiting data validation system that does not require access to an agency's contracting writing system.

Their system conducts an analysis of the data after it has been submitted to FPDS-NG system and conducts 100 data checks to identify potential errors and discrepancies. This unique attribute is critical because HHS has multiple contracting offices and contract writing systems. PotomacWave Consulting has successfully provided FedDataCheck subscription services to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Treasury, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In all cases, the data check services resulted in significantly increased data accuracy and integrity. Specifically, the reduction of FPDS-NG errors at VA decreased from approxiamately 25% to about 2%. An additional benefit is that Contract Specialists were notified of their errors soon after submitting data when it was fresh in their memory and could immediately apply this knowledge to the very next contract action and associated FPDS-NG report.

Until the use of FedDataCheck, and in addition to the validation provided by by the GSA FPDS-NG system, DHS, Treasury, and VA had to conduct a manual sampling of FPDS-NG submissions in order to gauge the accuracy of their data. Unlike manual sampling, FedDataCheck validates 100% of 100 data points. Each year the HHS Senior Procurement Executive must submit to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy OFPP, an FPDS-NG V&V report t certify the Department's FPDS-NG accuracy.

Also, internal to HHS the HCAs are required to certify their FPDS-NG data quarterly. This data can also be used to drive strategic sourcing of procurement needs (resulting in more cost effective contracts), to monitor various performance metrics required by the HCAs and the Department, and to facilitate the Department's procurement oversight responsibility. The accuracy of the FPDS-NG data is critical because it is public facing.