Government procurement follows specific regulations to ensure the responsible use of public funds. These rules shape how design teams can acquire everything from software licenses to consulting services.

Key procurement elements include:

• Spending limits: Purchase amounts that determine approval requirements, from basic departmental sign-off to full competitive bidding
• Supplier requirements: Essential qualifications for vendors, including specialization, security clearances, insurance, and compliance standards
• Competition rules: Guidelines that determine when competitive bids are required, ensuring fair access to government contracts
• Agreement types: Different contract formats based on purchase type, from simple one-time buys to complex service agreements

Understanding these requirements early helps build realistic project timelines. A software purchase that takes days in the private sector often needs weeks or months of advance planning in government.^[1]