Federal Student Aid follows structured processes to acquire support in administering and managing Federal Student Aid's postsecondary student financial assistance programs. These processes are based on the Federal Acquisition Regulations and the Office of Management and Budget's guidelines for Capital Planning and Investment Control. Several resources are available to help existing and prospective contractors learn more about Federal Student Aid.
Federal Student Aid Acquisition Information
Federal Student Aid's acquisition strategies and processes assure effective delivery of goods and services, while reducing cost and maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations and Executive orders. The Federal Student Aid Acquisition Information Website provides information on Federal Student Aid’s acquisition initiatives and activities. Existing and prospective contractors are encouraged to visit this website for information on Federal Student Aid specific acquisitions.
Formal solicitations are normally posted on Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) or GSA Advantage.
Federal Student Aid Chief Information Officer Library
Federal Student Aid relies heavily on information technology (IT) to support complex business processes. Many acquisition activities focus on or incorporate an IT component; therefore, effective use of IT is essential to the organization's Strategic Plan. To align IT plans, strategic vision and mission requirements, Federal Student Aid uses an Enterprise Architecture methodology to evaluate its current environment, define a target state vision, and sequence the investments necessary to achieve business objectives.
Federal Student Aid offers a library of documents and artifacts directly pertinent to its IT activities. The Federal Student Aid Chief Information Officer (CIO) Library is not intended to be all encompassing. Rather, it offers select material the Chief Information Officer would like to emphasize for those organizations thinking of doing business with us. The library includes material in three broad categories: General and Federal Guidelines; U.S. Department of Education Directives; and Federal Student Aid Specific References. The library is meant to be a convenient resource, but does not reflect all of the laws, regulations and standards applicable to work at Federal Student Aid.
Information About the Student Aid Industry
To learn more about the players and processes involved in the student aid industry, you are invited to take the Student Aid Front2Back online course. This course is designed to increase the knowledge of Federal Student Aid employees and contractors who want to learn more about our business. By the end of this brief course, you will be able to identify the key players and processes involved in serving our customers.
