# GAO Releases COTS Testing Guide

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a draft guide establishing a standardized five-step process for testing and evaluating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware systems prior to federal procurement. This guide targets integrated hardware systems, excluding standalone software and basic components, aiming to enhance agency testing practices, mitigate risks, and prevent cost overruns and schedule delays. Procurement professionals and contractors should note that public comments on the draft are open until December 14, 2026, providing an opportunity to influence best practices for operational testing in federal acquisitions.

- **Why this matters:** The guide promotes consistency and risk reduction in federal COTS hardware procurements, potentially improving acquisition outcomes and reducing delays.
- Agencies can leverage the standardized process to strengthen evaluation protocols and better manage integration challenges.
- Contractors supplying COTS hardware should align their offerings and testing documentation with the guide’s framework to facilitate smoother procurement evaluations.
- Stakeholders are encouraged to review and submit feedback by the December 14, 2026 deadline to shape final guidance impacting future federal hardware acquisitions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- Government Accountability Office (GAO)
- Department of War

### Sources
- [GAO Releases Draft Guide on COTS Testing & Evaluation](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/gao-draft-guide-cots-testing-evaluation) - ExecutiveGov