Acquisition
Veterans Health Admin procurement reforms not working, IG says
The Veterans Health Administration created a new oversight process for its contracting in 2009, but it is not being carried out consistently, according to a new report.
Acquisition
Government expected to hire more small businesses
Prediction: The near future will see more small business contracting and brand-new governmentwide contracts.
Acquisition
DOD memo: Outsourcing ban requires vigilance
A memo reminds defense agencies about current moratorium on public-private competition.
Acquisition
Acquisition cost savings: Geospatial agency to try new model
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency plans to launch a Managed Data Center Services Pilot to make IT buying easier.
Acquisition
Collaboration needed now more than ever
Industry and government need each other if they're to manage the new world of budget tightening.
Acquisition
Acquisition official: 'Don't chill the dialogue' with industry
Contracting officers have cover from acquisition policies and rules to open the lines of communication.
Acquisition
How common biases can mess with spending decisions
Three biases often make it difficult for leaders to reach a consensus, writes Decision Lens' Kevin Connor.
Acquisition
Steve Kelman, broken record: More on contracting cost savings
Former procurement chief recommends some familiar concepts to save money on contracts.
Acquisition
Obama signs withholding tax repeal
The passage ends a three-year effort by industry groups to get rid of a tax that was never actually enacted.
Acquisition
A new idea for encouraging vendors to help agencies save money
Steve Kelman proposes that agencies offer extra points to bidders who suggest money-saving ways to change draft solicitations.
Acquisition
GAO challenges administration on contract savings
The Office of Management and Budget's estimated savings on contracting may be overstated, GAO says.
Acquisition
Putting clarity into contracting
How one agency addresses misunderstandings between agencies and contractors.
Acquisition
Next OFPP chief's priorities: Building, buying, rebalancing
Government buying needs the expertise of acquisition workers, official says.
Acquisition
Withholding tax repeal heads to president
Tax repeal on contractors sails through Congress and on to the White House.
Acquisition
Gordon: Senate provision would force insourcing
The Senate has proposed taking away from contractors all the jobs that are closely associated with inherently governmental functions.
Acquisition
How much discretion in punishing contractors should agencies have?
Some lawmakers want to make suspension or debarment of misbehaving contractors mandatory, but the outgoing OFPP head disagrees with the strategy.
Acquisition
OMB: Agencies must crack down on contractors
Agencies have not used suspension and debarment authorities effectively, Lew says
Acquisition
What do supermarket cashiers, gas-station attendants and the dodo have in common?
At the National Contract Management Conference, Steve Kelman learns what procurement officials fear these days
Acquisition
Senate clamps down on contractors in sensitive jobs
An appropriations bill would require contracts to leave contractors out of work closely tied to inherently governmental functions.
Acquisition