Cybersecurity
GAO: Cyber efforts not enough
The government has been faltering on several critical aspects of cybersecurity, GAO finds. Will the president's executive order address the concerns?
Cybersecurity
Why cybersecurity remains a risky endeavor
Cybersecurity is a 'tough nut to crack,' and escalating attacks only make it harder.
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?
Digital Government
Are citizens' voices heard in rulemaking?
Agencies are often failing to conduct a full public comment process when considering new rules, GAO finds.
People
GAO's call to action in IT management
The government plans to spend $74 billion on IT this year, and needs to tighten its control over programs to prevent cost overruns and missed deadlines.
People
Transportation's acquisition workforce at risk
Poor documentation on attrition and other management lapses strain resources in the Transportation Department's component agencies, audit finds.
Digital Government
GAO launches site for key issues
Access GAO audits and other information organized by more than 50 specific issue areas at the Key Issues website.
Acquisition
Bid protests: Useful tool or abusive practice?
Bid protests may be a necessary way for companies to stand up for their interests, but they also can be a tactic to game the system, according to some analysts.
People
Civilian agencies outpace DOD for spending on ongoing IT maintenance
GAO: Agencies spent 70 percent of a $79 billion IT budget on existing systems in 2011.
Acquisition
Agencies skirted requirement to justify sole-source awards, GAO finds
The fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act requires agencies to submit written justification for awarding sole-source contracts worth more than $20 million to 8(a) firms, but the rule necessary to implement the law was slow in coming.
Digital Government
GAO calls for better management of geospatial data
Agencies are duplicating investments and wasting millions due to poor coordination, report finds.
People
Will protest fees have other costs?
Proposed fee for filing bid protest is small, but could have unintended consequences.
Digital Government
Agencies promise better investment oversight
GAO cites need for better analysis of legacy IT systems and the $54 billion spent running them in FY 2011
Digital Government
GAO raps Defense for transparency
DOD's CIO may have understated the riskiness of some of its IT investments, auditors assert.
Cybersecurity
DHS fights low morale
Homeland Security brings a range of management tools to the effort to cheer up its employees.
People
Memo on CAOs addresses weaknesses
Despite years of effort, agencies are still not using the chief acquisition officer role well, according to an audit. The head of the government's procurement policy agency seeks to change that.
Acquisition
Good directions for strategic sourcing
Steve Kelman assesses recommendations in a recent GAO report on strategic sourcing.
People
GAO confirms Medicare system vastly improved
A system the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services uses to provide data to users about their eligibility has shown marked progress in processing speed and reliability after upgrades, audit finds.
Acquisition
Agencies take action as GAO knocks strategic sourcing effort
After an audit found that agencies have made very little use of strategic sourcing, DOD and other agencies point to some reforms, pledge to make more.
People