The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced the introduction of three new data fields in the Federal Procurement Data System to enhance transparency concerning contracting actions for active contracts. This announcement was made on X.
According to an official White House memorandum titled "Radical Transparency about Wasteful Spending," federal agencies are mandated to provide greater visibility into contract-level data to address concerns regarding inefficiency and misuse of funds. The guidance instructs agencies to increase the amount and granularity of procurement data available, thereby enhancing oversight for both the government and the public. DOGE’s update to the Federal Procurement Data System aligns with this directive by advancing new standards for detailed reporting on active contracts, as outlined by the White House Office of Management and Budget.
DOGE’s announcement, along with information from the General Services Administration (GSA), indicates that the Federal Procurement Data System now includes three additional data fields. These fields are designed to identify whether a contract has been closed out, if any descoping actions have occurred, and the current status of ongoing contract modifications. Previously, limitations only allowed vague reporting of termination or cancellation actions, often leaving contract outcomes unclear to oversight bodies. The change is intended to allow agencies, auditors, and the public to more accurately track the progression and management of federal contracts.
The GSA said in a public update that these new data fields will provide real-time reporting on contract closeout and descoping—two aspects historically challenging for oversight agencies to audit. By documenting whether a contract was merely reduced in scope or fully completed, agencies can now differentiate between standard contract modifications and substantive changes impacting performance or cost. This reform is highlighted in the GSA newsroom as a response to recommendations from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which has previously cited gaps in contract closure data as a risk for government waste.
DOGE is described as a federal agency focused on optimizing government spending, reducing waste, and ensuring accountability in contract management. By reviewing expenditures and canceling non-essential contracts, DOGE aims to improve fiscal responsibility and enhance the effectiveness of public resource allocation.
