Digital Government

Federal IT forecast: Brace for impact

Sequestration and other hurdles pose challenges for federal IT, but it's not all bad news.

Digital Government

DOD’s top brass blast sequestration, emphasize cyber in Senate testimonies

A "cyber Pearl Harbor is a real possibility, defense secretary warns.

Acquisition

Senators back off call for automatic contractor suspensions

Proposals to require agencies to automatically suspend companies accused of wrongdoing have been softened in latest version of a bill.

Cybersecurity

Senators drafting bipartisan compromise on cybersecurity legislation

As Congress battles over cybersecurity laws, a few lawmakers are looking for agreement.

Cybersecurity

Tom Davis: A reformer on the Hill

Former Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) focused Congress' attention on acquisition reforms.

Acquisition

Jack Brooks: Titan of IT procurement

Former Rep. Jack Brooks (D-Texas) dominated IT procurement policy and oversight for decades.

Digital Government

Billions of dollars in federal funds remain unused

Senator's research charges that much approrpiated funding sits unused, often resulting in unnecessary, wasteful spending.

Digital Government

Air Force cancels annual IT conference amid cost concerns

The Air Force's annual IT conference has been shelved for 2012 as event spending comes under tough government scrutiny.

People

Issa probes telework travel reimbursements

GSA teleworkers billed $750,000 in travel expenses, raising questions in Congress.

Digital Government

Senate defense bill takes first steps to undo sequestration

Congress is demanding Defense Secretary Leon Panetta furnish a comprehensive report on the potential effects of sequestration, which could take effect Jan. 2, 2013.

Acquisition

Biden to become benchmark for executive pay?

Currently, the Executive Compensation Benchmark is based on the median amount provided to senior executives in large U.S. corporations. One Senate commmittee says it's growing too much.

Acquisition

Senate committee encourages reverse auctions

The committee says reverse auctions stimulate “aggressive competition” among vendors and lead to lower prices.

Digital Government

Limiting conference attendance fixes the wrong problem

Legislation that would restrict conferences is already having a chilling effect on government/industry communications, write FCW's Anne Armstrong.

People

Joe Jordan confirmed as OFPP administrator

After just five months of vacancy, OFPP has a new leader.

Acquisition

Proposed small-biz contracting goals 'laudable but overly ambitious'

Congress aims for higher overall small-business contracting goals, even as administration officials consider them "unrealistic."

Digital Government

Hopes dim for bipartisan cybersecurity legislation

Two Senate bills are stalled while compromise seems unlikely.

People

DOD's proposed acquisition rule changes faltering in Congress

Congress rejected DOD's proposed changes to FAR language, but changes to commercial of-a-type acquisition aren't completely off the table yet.

Acquisition

Agencies could lose some suspension and debarment discretion

Defense bill would mandate action against contractors in some situations, rather than allowing agencies to decide case by case.

Digital Government

Issa to IGs: Don't leave Congress in the dark

Oversight committee chairman shares his new interpretation of the law on inspectors general reporting to Congress.

People

Defense Authorization begins its long journey through the House

House defense bill asks for $3 billion more than the Obama administration's plan.