Who must be notified before publicly announcing a public-private competition?

The requirement to notify Congress before publicly announcing a public-private competition is rooted in legislative oversight and accountability. Congress plays a vital role in overseeing governmental operations and expenditures. By requiring notification of such announcements, Congress ensures transparency and allows them to monitor how public resources are being utilized in competition with private entities. This oversight helps maintain public trust and allows Congress to be aware of significant changes in government operations that could impact various stakeholders, including taxpayers and government employees.

Other options, while they represent important entities within the government structure, do not fulfill the specific legislative requirement to ensure Congress is informed prior to the announcement. The agency head, procurement office, and Public Affairs Office might be involved in the process of setting up the competition or in communicating it internally, but the critical step of notifying Congress is designed to uphold the democratic process and maintain checks and balances in government activities.