Acquisition
DOD's 'Hello, I am a contractor' policy kicks in
Defense Department officials changed the department's regulations to require service contractors to identify themselves as a contractor, whether in person or in a letter.
Acquisition
How mushy mangoes can enlighten acquisition employees
Without a robust past-performance system, a lot of the incentive for better vendor performance disappears, writes columnist Steve Kelman.
Acquisition
Shifting market keeps DOD alert for conflicts of interest
As big defense contractors acquire other companies, officials must pay close attention to avoid conflicts of interest, a DOD official says.
Acquisition
DOD to negotiate prices more aggressively
DOD officials are telling contracting officials to bargain prices down, even when there's only one bidder for a contract.
Acquisition
GSA's Mary Davie urges 'doing things differently' in acquisition
Mary Davie, assistant commissioner for the General Services Administration, addressed a conference room full of federal procurement employees at the Federal IT Acquisition Summit.
Acquisition
The real cost of continuing resolutions
As DOD seeks to reduce spending, the Pentagon's top acquisition official says that cutting big-ticket weapons programs won't be enough to generate serious savings.
Acquisition
Revealing political donations would hurt acquisition process, critics say
President Barack Obama's attempt to have businesses show whom they support politically goes against the intent of a merit-based procurement system by putting seemingly irrelevant information before the contracting officer, officials say.
Acquisition
Good advice on past-performance from Wartime Contracting Commission
A recent report from the Wartime Contracting Commission reminds Steve Kelman of his regret over a decision he made in the 1990s.
Acquisition
Federal IT spending predicted to rise despite budget crunch
Market research firm Input estimates annual federal IT budget will rise 5 percent annually despite proposed freeze in discretionary spending.
Acquisition
DOD parses the people factor in procurement reform
FCW talked to Shay Assad for a Q&A. Assad has been at the center of acquisition reforms for years and has most recently led the way in encouraging a customer-focused culture in DOD procurement.
Acquisition
Budget battle leaves defense industry's confidence shaken
The impact of the continuing resolutions that have paralyzed defense spending for months became more acute with the recent budget showdown, and the damage will remain in play.
Acquisition
Some agencies struggle to recover improper payments
Improper and fraudulent payments to federal contractors got attention at a House subcommittee hearing today.
Acquisition
Wartime contracting panel needs broader view, group says
Criticism of wartime contracting reform comes as officials seek lessons from nongovernmental organizations on their contingency operations.
Acquisition
Obama ties funding to declining debt in proposal
President Obama has proposed across-the-board spending cuts tied to the debt, but left unclear the impacts on IT, workforce and other programs.
Acquisition
Costs jumped on VA's Wi-Fi contract, IG says
The Veterans Affairs Department rushed through procuring Wi-Fi at 236 VA facilities, according to a new report from the Office of Inspector General.
Acquisition
How to make reverse auctions even better
Steve Kelman advises FedBid on how to enhance the value of its reverse auction service.
Acquisition
Bill would put job creation pressure on contractors
A group of House members wants companies to estimate the number of jobs they would create when they win a new contract.
Acquisition
How to add more zip to the regulatory process
When it comes to approving regulations, bureaucracy is not a bad thing, but it could be better, acquisition experts say.
Acquisition
GSA to change Alliant past-performance review policy
The General Services Administration hasn't reviewed contractors' performances on work done through the agency's major IT governmentwide contract, as required and they had planned, IG says.
Acquisition