A recent directive from the Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Office now requires DoD branches and units to clear certain unclassified information technology, management consulting, and advisory support contracts with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) before moving forward.
Under the new guidelines, any FAR-based IT or management services contract valued over $10 million, as well as advisory and assistance service agreements exceeding $1 million, must be submitted to DOGE for review. This policy took effect immediately upon publication of the memo, which was issued by Michael Duffey, Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment.
The review process is aimed at ensuring cost-saving measures championed by the Trump administration’s efficiency initiatives. Agencies must provide DOGE with detailed procurement packages, including deliverables, projected total costs, initial obligation estimates, alternatives analyses, and justification for outsourcing instead of using in-house teams or direct service providers.
Certain categories of work are exempt from this requirement. Contracts that directly support major weapon-system programs—including systems engineering, technical assistance, acquisition program management, and sustainment services—do not require DOGE approval. Likewise, agreements with firms classified as “direct service providers”—those delivering the work themselves rather than through third-party integrators—are excluded.
Once a request is submitted, DOGE has a three-business-day window to respond. If no feedback is provided within that period, agencies may interpret silence as approval and proceed. For additional unclassified FAR-based procurements funded under the “Communications, Utilities, and Miscellaneous Charges” or “Advisory and Assistance Services” budget categories, agencies must also route those to DOGE—and if no response arrives within two business days, they may advance the contracting action.
This expanded oversight complements similar efforts by the General Services Administration, which has already targeted certain high-value consulting deals for cost-cutting and renegotiation. Together, these measures reflect the department’s broader push to streamline spending and reduce reliance on expensive external consulting in favor of more efficient solutions.