OMB Category Management Policy Memo & FAQs

The Workstations Category Team (WCT), led by NASA and consisting of over 27 agencies, conducted extensive data analysis of the Government’s largest laptop and desktop contracts and determined that about 90% of basic laptop and desktop needs could be met through common standard configurations. The policy mandates that agencies buy one of the five standard configurations for at least 80% of basic laptop and desktop requirements, unless an exception is granted by the agency’s CIO. Non-standard requirements, such as scientific and military needs, are not subject to this policy. Furthermore, the WCT used input from these organizations to define the set of configurations and technical specifications for standard desktops and laptops, and standard upgrade options; these specs were validated by industry via a formal Request for Information issued by NASA.

Annually, OMB, working with the WCT, will review input from users and vendors, to evaluate the performance of the approved contract vehicles. Based on these factors, the list of approved vehicles will be modified, if necessary. 

OMB will measure spend through the contract vehicles and agency compliance with purchasing standard configurations. Spend Through Approved Vehicles – OMB will collect transition plans from agencies as part of the February 28, 2016, Integrated Data Collection (IDC). Standard Configurations - The Memo requires the contract managers of the approved vehicles (NASA, GSA, and HHS) to report agency compliance with the requirement to purchase standard configurations. OMB will monitor compliance on a quarterly basis.