Contracts

CISA contemplates whether to hire security software buying help

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a sources sought notice that describes its desire to bring in a company that can help manage enterprise license and materials purchases.

FAA brings in AT&T for network modernization program

The Federal Aviation Administration is developing a potential 15-year contract with AT&T to support the overhaul of the air traffic control system.

Palantir’s no-bid pipeline just got bigger

A new $244M Pentagon memo skips the Federal Acquisition Regulation's process for sole-source justifications and urges agencies to find ways to work with the company.

DISA sets release date for follow-on cloud solicitation

The Defense Information Systems Agency is pushing to expand its $9 billion cloud vehicle beyond the big four hyperscalers.

DHS wraps up Oracle's Cumulus cloud contract

The Department of Homeland Security has two more hyperscaler awards to finalize before it can move ahead on a separate competition for this enterprise cloud program.

Contractor alleges Army inappropriately used AI to make $450M contract award

An industry lawyer anticipates more bid protests will likely allege that agencies misused AI in the procurement process but that could be hard to prove if agencies don’t report their use of AI as “high-impact.”

Acquisition overhaul is providing needed ‘discretion’ for tech adoption, procurement chief says

“If it's not in the FAR, and it doesn't tell you you can't do it, then you should consider it,” Office of Federal Procurement Policy Administrator Kevin Rhodes said.

GSA is eyeing OneGov savings beyond software and tech, official says

GSA Deputy Administrator Mike Lynch noted that many of the roughly two dozen firms participating in the OneGov initiative “offer multiple products to federal government,” meaning that the strategy can ultimately lead to a broader range of cost savings.

GSA’s draft AI procurement rule has improved but needs further reforms, contractors say

Contractors have until Aug. 3 to give GSA feedback on a proposed overhaul to large language model procurements.

DOD suspends CMMC Phase 2, launches 60-day ‘reform’ review

Citing prohibitive costs for small and mid-size contractors, the Defense Department will keep Phase I self-assessments in place while a new task force studies the cyber and supply chain security program's future.

OPM’s HR systems award clears protest window

None of Oracle’s competitors have filed objections to the $396 million Federal HR 2.0 contract.

GSA taking measured approach to SEWP takeover

Continuity is the General Services Administration's top priority as it embeds staff in NASA’s SEWP office to lay groundwork to transfer the $60 billion IT vehicle.

GSA’s centralization push is a return to its roots, not just a Trump priority

The General Services Administration's acting acquisition chief says the consolidation drive mirrors the founding mission laid out by the Hoover Commission 77 years ago.

Revolutionary FAR Overhaul moves to formal rulemaking with first batch of proposed rules

Four proposed rules covering 13 Federal Acquisition Regulation parts are to be published Tuesday. Small business rules and others are on the way.

DOD excels at prototyping. Getting to production is another story.

Acquisition reform may be the bridge, but the paths from prototype to funded program remains unclear.

HHS issues call for AI to support its ‘power users’

The Department of Health and Human Services is ready to test what advanced artificial intelligence capabilities can best serve its staff that rely on more specialized AI features. 

DHS finalizes first Cumulus cloud contract with AWS

The Homeland Security Department is working on contracts with the other three major hyperscalers and a separate, multiple-award competition for support services.