Acquisition
NIH revamps acquisition center's image
The agency's IT acquisition center has shed its assisted-acquisition services and will instead focus on GWACs.
Acquisition
GSA reaches all small-business contracting goals
As a whole, the federal government missed its goal of awarding 23 percent of its contracting dollars to small businesses by 1.5 percent, a score card says.
Acquisition
Agencies push small-biz outreach efforts
Commerce Department and Small Business Administration officials plan more than 200 events before mid-October.
Acquisition
New NIH manager gives Acquisition Center a facelift
The center cut its assisted acquisition services and aimed those resources at customer service, manager says.
Acquisition
GSA launches new mentor program for small businesses
GSA expects the mentoring program to increase the number of small businesses getting its contracts and subcontracts.
Acquisition
NIH emphasizes health IT in its new $20 billion contract
National Institutes of Health officials expect to award the 10-year, $20 billion Chief Information Officer—Solutions and Partners 3 contract in early 2010.
Acquisition
Bill would end HUBZone primacy
HUBZone businesses have priority over companies owned by service-disabled veterans and those in the 8(a) program, but that might change.
Acquisition
Acquisition reforms rush forward while top OFPP seat remains empty
The OFPP administrator, in theory, is an important person when reforming the procurement system. Nevertheless, Obama's making changes without one.
Acquisition
Senate passes bill with HUBZone change
The legislation would remove the “shall” in the law that some say gives small businesses in economically depressed areas first preference in contract set-asides.
Acquisition
Congress, administration move into protected territory
The government is having a debate about certain small businesses that live by special rules — from ANCs to companies in historically underutilized business zones.
Acquisition
Vet-owned firms grow but still short of goals
Spending with service-disabled, veteran-owned contractors has grown for five years, but is still short of mandated goal.
Acquisition
Small bites, greater expertise produce speedier acquisitions
Procurement experts say there are numerous steps DOD officials could take to increase the odds that acquisitions will deliver the expected results in a timely and cost-effective fashion.
Acquisition
Vets could get edge on no-bid contracts at VA
A new bill would require the Veterans Affairs Department to give priority to veteran-owned small businesses when outsourcing work with no competition.
Acquisition
House passes spending bill with outsourcing provisions
Agencies would have to create an annual inventory of services they’ve outsourced to the private sector and review whether to return the work to government employees.
Acquisition
Administration, GAO clash in turf war
The Government Accountability Office has denied the Small Business Administration’s request to reconsider recent bid protest decisions that give priority to HUBZone businesses. This might lead to a turf fight.
Acquisition
Senators probe Alaska set-aside program
A Senate subcommittee says agencies are using ANCs to award contracts quickly and avoid competition.
Acquisition
Report: Alaska Native contracting program delivers little benefit to communities
Four Alaska Native Corporations were among the top 100 recipients of contract awards in 2008 and six companies made Washington Technology’s list of the top 100 prime contractors in 2009.
Acquisition
Audit agency reaffirms earlier ruling against HUBZone preference
SBA and OMB contended GAO overreached its authority in ruling that HUBZone businesses should get priority over 8(a) small businesses and service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.
Acquisition
Coalition stumps for Alaska Native set-asides as hearing looms
Native8(a)works launched its effort to tell Congress about what SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program does for the United States’ indigenous people.
Acquisition