This study examines acquisition reforms recently undertaken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP), an integral part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In response to budgetary and
performance pressures, the agency has moved to make dynamic competitive bidding – through reverse
auctions – a critical part of its procurement operations. This researcher analyzed CBP’s procurement
spending over the past four years, finding that the use of reverse auctions has produced tens of millions of
dollars in savings for the agency and taxpayers, as well as creating significant process efficiencies for
agency personnel. The study concludes with a call to action for public sector agency executives and
procurement leaders to reexamine their own acquisition strategies – especially in light of the recent calls
by the White House for procurement reform and increased competition – to maximize the efficiency of
their operations through the strategic use of reverse auctions in their acquisition strategies.