Dedicated reader G. Clooney, previously of Los Angeles but “considering a move to Ottawa”, writes, “Presidential elections impact big stuff like healthcare, defense and, foreign policy.  What difference do they make, though, to procurement?”  Elections matter to procurement and acquisition, just like every other part of government, G.  Each administration has its own ideas on government management.  Over the years that’s brought us big changes like FASA and the Clinger Cohen Act.  More recently, we’ve experienced strategic sourcing and Category Management.  In addition, the administration appoints dozens of people who can influence acquisition.  Each new person brings their own ideas, biases, and experiences to the job.  Acquisition tends to be fairly non-partisan, too, so political party affiliation has been a lousy detector at which administration’s people might be forward thinkers.  Many groups have already sent white papers to each major party candidate on acquisition recommendations.  If you have ideas, make sure your voice is heard.  It is also appropriate to consider how a particular candidate could impact your government business when determining who you might support.  Make sure you don’t vote for someone whose views are oceans apart from your own.