Federal Aviation AdministrationStrategic Sourcing for the Acquisition of Various Equipment and Supplies (FAA SAVES)
FAA SAVES is a government contract vehicle used by the Federal Aviation Administration to procure information technology hardware and software through pre-negotiated agreements with approved vendors.
What Is FAA SAVES?
FAA SAVES is a government contract vehicle used by the Federal Aviation Administration to procure information technology hardware and software through pre-negotiated agreements with approved vendors.
Strategic sourcing contract vehicle for IT products
Used exclusively by the Federal Aviation Administration
Covers commercial IT hardware and software
Features pre-negotiated pricing and terms
Designed to improve procurement speed and cost control
How It Works in Government Contracting
FAA SAVES is used during the acquisition phase of the procurement lifecycle when the FAA needs to purchase IT equipment or software. The FAA places orders through the SAVES vehicle instead of issuing new standalone solicitations, with approved vendors competing at the task or delivery order level.
The vehicle reduces procurement lead time, standardizes purchasing, and supports consistent compliance with federal acquisition requirements. In practice, the FAA uses SAVES to acquire items such as servers, networking equipment, end-user devices, and commercial software licenses.
Regulatory Framework
FAA SAVES operates under federal acquisition authorities aligned with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
It also supports strategic sourcing objectives promoted by the Office of Management and Budget, which encourages agencies to consolidate purchasing to achieve cost efficiencies and reduce administrative burden.
Why It Matters for Contractors
Direct Access to FAA IT Procurement: FAA SAVES provides contractors with a direct pathway to FAA IT purchasing opportunities, reducing the need to compete through standalone solicitations for each individual requirement.
Reduced Bid Costs and Shorter Sales Cycles: Participation in SAVES reduces bid costs and shortens sales cycles compared to open-market procurements, making it a more efficient channel for reaching FAA technology buyers.
Compliance, Pricing Controls, and Performance Risk: Contractors must maintain compliance with contract terms, pricing controls, and performance standards. Failure to perform can result in reduced ordering opportunities or removal from the vehicle.
Common Misconceptions
Only large businesses can participate in FAA SAVES.
Businesses of various sizes may compete for a position on FAA SAVES, provided they meet the technical, financial, and compliance requirements established in the solicitation.
Inclusion in SAVES guarantees contract awards.
Vehicle award grants eligibility to receive task or delivery orders, but does not guarantee any minimum level of purchases. Vendors must still compete at the order level.
SAVES can be used by agencies outside the FAA.
FAA SAVES is authorized exclusively for use by the Federal Aviation Administration. It is not a multi-agency vehicle and cannot be used by other federal departments or agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contract vehicle?
A contract vehicle is a pre-established agreement that allows agencies to place orders without issuing new full solicitations, streamlining the procurement process.
What does FAA SAVES cover?
FAA SAVES covers commercial IT hardware, software, and related technology supplies used by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Who can use FAA SAVES?
Only the Federal Aviation Administration is authorized to use this contract vehicle.
How do contractors get on FAA SAVES?
Contractors must compete during the vehicle's solicitation period and meet the technical, financial, and compliance requirements established by the FAA.
Related Government Contracting Topics
Strategic Sourcing: A procurement approach focused on consolidating demand across an organization to reduce costs, improve quality, and streamline supplier relationships — the foundational principle behind FAA SAVES.
Contract Vehicle: A pre-established procurement mechanism that allows agencies to place orders without issuing new full solicitations, enabling faster and more efficient purchasing.
Task Orders: Individual orders issued under an existing contract vehicle, the primary mechanism through which the FAA directs specific IT purchases to SAVES-awarded vendors.
IT Hardware Procurement: The acquisition of physical technology equipment such as servers, networking devices, and end-user hardware — a core category of products available through FAA SAVES.
Federal Aviation Administration Procurement: The agency-specific acquisition processes and policies governing how the FAA purchases goods and services, within which FAA SAVES operates as a key strategic sourcing tool.
GSA Schedules: A separate multi-agency contracting program managed by the General Services Administration, distinct from FAA SAVES but similarly designed to streamline IT and commercial product procurement.
Strategic Importance
FAA SAVES is a purpose-built strategic sourcing vehicle that enables the Federal Aviation Administration to acquire the IT hardware and software it needs to support the nation's air traffic management and aviation safety systems efficiently and compliantly.
For contractors in the IT products space, securing a position on FAA SAVES offers a streamlined pathway into one of the most technically demanding federal agencies — with recurring order opportunities, pre-negotiated terms, and direct access to FAA technology procurement decision-makers.