Acquisition
DOD unlikely to cancel contracts for savings
Option periods, new contracts more likely to feel the brunt of sequestration budget cuts, Pentagon controller says.
Acquisition
Why 'cost comparisons' need a wide-angle lens
In determining whether to hire contractors or use agency employees, the price in dollars and cents is only one part of the cost.
Acquisition
Set-aside for mid-tier companies still possible
Companies that are too big to qualify for small-business advantages, yet too small to compete seriously against major corporations, may get some help from Congress.
Acquisition
Can interagency contracting regain a good rep?
No longer on GAO's high-risk list, interagency contracting stands ready to play a role in a procurement culture shift, according to experts including Roger Waldron of the Coalition for Government Procurement.
Acquisition
GAO renews satellite warning
A possible gap in satellite weather coverage has warranted the topic's inclusion on GAO's high-risk list.
Acquisition
Interagency contracting no longer high risk
One of only two areas that GAO removed from its high-risk list, interagency contracting has improved considerably since 2005, officials say.
Acquisition
OASIS creates thirst for answers
Does GSA's latest contract for professional services push strategic sourcing past reasonable limits?
Acquisition
4 tips for sequestration savings
Some rethinking of contract stratgies may be one of the keys to surviving sequestration says law professor Charles Tiefer.
Acquisition
DOD struggles to justify sole source awards
A law that took effect in 2011 requires written justification for sole-source contracts when they're worth more than $20 million. Why is DOD finding that a hard rule to follow?
Acquisition
NASA open source project back on track
The incumbent vendor, who lost the latest competition, has withdrawn a protest that had threatened to stop the space agency's efforts to move to an open-source content management system.
Acquisition
Proposal would take suspension, debarment powers from agencies
Darrell Issa would like to change the way the government decides to bar some companies from contract eligibility.
Acquisition
Small-business quotas could become even tougher to meet
The budget squeeze coupled with a bill to change the small-business targets add up to a challenge for contracting officers.
Acquisition
Welcome back, FAR 13.5
Simplified acquisition procedures for smaller purchases have returned to the contracting officer's toolbox.
Acquisition
Task force tackles veteran contracting challenges
Integrity of agency certifications to be a focal point for a small-business working group.
Acquisition
Can RFP-EZ really change procurement?
This Presidential Innovations Fellows project aims to help contracting officers and small businesses alike. Now agencies will see whether it works in real life.
Acquisition
GAO pushes new interagency contracting rules
The policy framework is in place, but now GSA and DOD have to implement it.
Acquisition
OFPP seeks 'aggressive goals' for agency contractor reviews
Agencies are improving their compliance with requirements to review contractor performance, but is it enough?
Acquisition
Senator seeks grassroots budget input
An online tool allows the public to contribute to the debate on federal budge priorities.
Acquisition
Industry pushes to reform procurement
A private-sector commission is developing a report for Congress to outline recommended federal procurement strategies.
Acquisition