Acquisition
Other cartels that might alarm the former federal CIO
Conspiracy-seekers might not have to look very far to find cause for concern.
Acquisition
Obama: Tax-delinquent measure would complicate contracting
A bill would prohibit an agency from awarding a contract worth more than $5 million unless the company is up to date on its taxes.
Acquisition
Union: Too much discretion in outsourcing will come with a price
Outsourcing critical work could, in the long run, cost agencies their institutional knowledge, argues Colleen Kelley, national president of the National Treasury Employees Union.
Acquisition
When it comes to outsourcing decisions, everyone angles to be 'critical'
The 'intentionally vague' definition of 'critical function' could apply to almost all agency work, says Robert Burton, deputy OFPP administrator during the George W. Bush administration.
Acquisition
Senators, experts to watch for DOD contract reforms
A defense procurement expert asked senators to question defense officials' support for major acquisition reforms in contingency operations.
Acquisition
Suspension, debarment getting agencies' attention, official says
More agencies are establishing formal suspension and debarment programs and dedicating more staff to handle referrals and manage cases.
Acquisition
SBA could make small-biz credit easier to get
SBA proposes changes that would help agencies meet subcontracting goals when interagency contracts are in style.
Acquisition
Old tricks for abusing purchase cards apparently still in use, audit finds
Internal Revenue Service employees appear to be circumventing the micro-purchasing rules using some old techniques that still work -- until auditors catch on.
Acquisition
Tom Suder: Better ideas for BetterBuy
Suder's proposal for improving government procurement became the foundation for the General Services Administration's BetterBuy Project.
Acquisition
Air Force procurement contests take wing
The Air Force discovers the value of contests as a route to innovation.
Acquisition
Does EyakTek scandal mean trouble for Alaskan firms?
The indictment of an official at EyakTek puts an uncomfortable spotlight on the Alaska Native Corporation program, but is there really a connection?
Acquisition
3 keys to good suspension and debarment programs
The government can't risk being seen as lax on rooting out fraudulent contractors, a GAO official says.
Acquisition
OMB optimistic on effort to change contracting mentality
Agencies are ready to collaborate on multi-agency contracts, OMB leaders believe.
Acquisition
OFPP may struggle to get agencies under fewer roofs
OFPP guidance may push agencies to curb their own interagency contract proposals or possibly cause them to launch stand-alone contracts without economies of scale, some say.
Acquisition
OFPP trims fat from interagency contracting overlap
OFPP says agencies should stop, look and listen before going ahead with an interagency contract.
Acquisition
GSA matches customer DNA to IT commodity program
Agencies are going to GSA to buy their commercial off-the-shelf products rather than developing custom-made solutions, so GSA is developing its own solution.
Acquisition
DOD tripped up by low staffing, poor planning
Officials will end relatively few contracts by their closeout date because 90 percent are already overdue.
Acquisition
Procurement shops to become more automated
The regulatory-laden federal procurement process is tough to turn in any new direction, but younger employees and tighter budgets might move it slightly.
Acquisition