Understanding ATF’s Acquisition and Property Management Division
What is ATF’s Acquisition and Property Management Division?
The Acquisition and Property Management Division (APMD) within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) oversees the agency’s procurement and asset management functions. This division ensures that ATF has the necessary goods, services, and equipment to support its mission of enforcing federal laws related to firearms, explosives, arson, alcohol, and tobacco.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Contracting and Procurement: Managing the acquisition of goods and services essential for ATF operations.
- Property and Asset Management: Overseeing ATF’s inventory, real property, and fleet management.
- Supplier Diversity and Small Business Engagement: Ensuring opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses in federal contracting.
- Compliance and Regulatory Oversight: Adhering to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), ATF Procurement Policies, and Department of Justice (DOJ) acquisition guidelines.
- IT and Security Procurements: Managing technology acquisitions, cybersecurity tools, and law enforcement equipment.
Mission and Goals of ATF’s APMD
The ATF Acquisition and Property Management Division supports law enforcement, forensic investigations, and regulatory enforcement through effective procurement and asset management. Goals include:
- Enhancing efficiency in ATF procurement processes.
- Strengthening supplier diversity and small business participation.
- Improving cybersecurity and IT acquisition standards.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance in property and asset management.
ATF Procurement and Asset Management Structure
ATF’s Acquisition and Property Management Division is divided into key operational areas:
- Acquisition Policy and Compliance: Ensures that all ATF contracts comply with federal regulations.
- Contracting Operations: Handles competitive bidding, contract awards, and vendor management.
- Property Management: Oversees ATF’s real estate, equipment, and fleet.
- Information Technology Procurement: Manages cybersecurity, cloud services, and IT modernization projects.
- Small Business Outreach: Encourages participation from minority-owned, veteran-owned, and small disadvantaged businesses in ATF contracts.
ATF procurement activities align with DOJ policies and are subject to oversight from the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) at the Department of Justice.
Advancing Your Career as a Contractor at ATF
Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:
- Understand ATF’s Mission and Procurement Needs: Align your services with law enforcement, forensic analysis, and IT modernization initiatives.
- Stay Current with Federal Acquisition Standards: Ensure compliance with FAR, DOJ procurement regulations, and cybersecurity guidelines.
- Master ATF’s Procurement Systems and Tools: Gain expertise in federal procurement and asset management systems such as:
- System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
- DOJ Unified Financial Management System (UFMS)
- ATF eProcurement Systems (GSA eBuy, FedConnect, etc.)
- Prioritize Security and Compliance: ATF contracts require strict adherence to cybersecurity protocols and law enforcement technology standards.
- Effective Communication: Work with contracting officers, law enforcement officials, and forensic analysts to develop tailored solutions.
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Ensure compliance with FedRAMP, NIST cybersecurity frameworks, and DOJ IT security policies.
- Networking and Collaboration: Attend DOJ and ATF industry days, small business outreach events, and federal procurement forums.
- Focus on Law Enforcement Support: Develop cost-effective, mission-critical technologies and services that enhance ATF operations.
- Document and Share Knowledge: Maintain detailed compliance records, procurement best practices, and asset management reports.