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.
People
GOP plan to nix sequester moves forward
House Republicans want to replace the looming sequester with cuts targeting health care and federal benefits.
Cybersecurity
Congressman plans cyber workforce development efforts
Rep. Jim Langevin is looking to catalyze better cyber training and expertise at the federal, state and local levels.
Acquisition
DOD moves to change rules for buying commercial products
DOD has proposed changes to acquisition rules that may drastically impact the federal marketplace.
People
One senator could block popular electronic disclosure bill
Transparency advocates are warning that despite the growing support for the Senate Campaign Disclosure Act, it could still be victim of parliamentary holds and other blocking moves. Attention is focused on one senator who has blocked the bill in the past.
Digital Government