GSA modernizes IAE with new features, Drupal upgrade

GSA is overhauling the Integrated Award Environment (IAE), the "platform" enabling contractor engagement in response to diverse user needs across federal acquisition, grants, and legal sectors. IAE—an amalgamation of procurement systems, such as SAM, old WDOL, old FPDS, but not ESRS or FSRS—often lacks currency, such as in its procurement forecast data, a governance rather than technical issue.

According to Memi Whitehead, GSA’s deputy assistant commissioner, customer feedback has guided updates aimed at reducing compliance burdens and improving functionality as the agency deploys a new content management system (CMS) for SAM.gov. As FedNewsNetwork reports, this CMS will enhance searchability and integrate help materials, improving users’ ability to navigate contracts, grants, and registration information.

As part of GSA’s digital modernization strategy, CMS migration leverages lessons from its ongoing migration of platforms like the Digital Dashboard from Drupal 7 to Drupal 9. These updates, demonstrating GSA’s continued reliance on open-source solutions, position the agency to meet expanding customer demands efficiently while advancing government IT modernization goals.