A/OPE developed the web-based S/FPDS-NG application to allow posts to enter the required data on-line directly to A/OPE's server at the time the action is signed. Posts should use the Internet Explorer browser. Once procurement actions pass A/OPE system validation, post has no further reporting responsibility for that action.

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act, as amended, 41 U.S.C. 401 et.seq., and Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 4.6, require that the Department establish and maintain a computer based system to collect and report procurement data to the Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation (FPDS-NG) for collecting and disseminating statistical procurement data to Congress, the Executive Branch and the private sector. The Federal Procurement Data Center (FPDC) operates the FPDS-NG and is located in the General Services Administration.

The FPDC produces reports which examine various aspects and impacts of the Federal acquisition process. The statistical data are used for geographical analysis, market analysis and analysis on the impact of congressional and presidential initiatives in socio-economic areas such as small business, small disadvantaged business, women owned business, historically black colleges/universities or minority institutions, HUBZone awards, and awards to a nonprofit agency employing people who are blind or severely disabled.