What does OSD mean in UNCLASSIFIED

The OSD is a component of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) responsible for administering the federal government's suspension and debarment program. This program protects the government from doing business with contractors who have engaged in misconduct or violated federal laws and regulations.

Suspension is a temporary measure taken to prevent a contractor from entering into new government contracts or receiving further payments on existing contracts. It is typically imposed when there is reasonable cause to believe that the contractor has engaged in wrongdoing.

Debarment is a more severe measure than suspension and prohibits a contractor from doing business with the government for a specified period of time. It is imposed when the government has determined that the contractor has committed a serious offense, such as fraud or bribery.

The grounds for suspension or debarment include, but are not limited to:

• Conviction for a criminal offense related to the procurement or performance of a federal contract
• Commission of fraud, bribery, or other dishonest acts
• Violation of federal procurement laws or regulations
• Failure to perform a contract according to its terms

The duration of a suspension or debarment varies depending on the severity of the offense. Suspensions typically last for 18 months, while debarments can range from 3 years to permanent exclusion from government contracting.

The suspension or debarment process involves several steps, including:

• Investigation of allegations of misconduct
• Issuance of a notice of proposed suspension or debarment
• Opportunity for the contractor to respond
• Decision by the suspending or debarring official

Yes, contractors have the right to appeal a suspension or debarment decision to the General Services Administration Board of Contract Appeals (GSBCA).