Supporting and responding to the pandemic requires GSA to utilize the full capacity and capability of the federal government. One way for the acquisition community to support such efforts is to look for innovative and creative ways to provide opportunities within the acquisition process that otherwise may not be available.

Section 3610 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act permits government agencies to reimburse at the minimum applicable contract billing rates, any paid leave, including sick leave, a contractor provides to keep its employees or subcontractors in a ready state, including to protect the life and safety of government and contractor personnel, during the COVID-19 public health emergency for the period March 27, 2020 through September 30, 2020 (not to exceed an average of 40 hours per week).