What exactly is a “CA” or “A-76” study?
Commercial Activity (CA) refers to a recurring activity (i.e. function) that could be performed by the private sector. The term “A-76” refers to the Office of Management and Budget Circular Number A-76. This circular establishes federal policy for the competition of commercial activities (i.e. determining whether those recurring commercial activities will be performed in-house, by civilian employees or military personnel, or under contracts or agreements with commercial sources.) A CA or A-76 is a method to determine the most economical method of operation. The revised A-76 process consists of two distinct phases, Preliminary Planning and Competition. Preliminary Planning is designed to coordinate management of competitive sourcing actions, support the agency through the competitions, and achieve competition success. Preliminary Planning must include review of functions and positions to be competed and will produce a decision regarding the scope of the competition or competitions. This
