Acquisition
Administration, GAO clash in turf war
The Government Accountability Office has denied the Small Business Administration’s request to reconsider recent bid protest decisions that give priority to HUBZone businesses. This might lead to a turf fight.
Modernization
GAO: Grants.gov has serious weaknesses
The Government Accountability Office says the government portal that has information on more than 1,000 grant programs and provides access to approximately $500 billion in annual awards needs better management.
Modernization
GAO: Better management needed for e-health project
The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments are making progress on electronic health records interoperability, but the project's management needs to be improved, the Government Accountability Office said.
Acquisition
Audit agency reaffirms earlier ruling against HUBZone preference
SBA and OMB contended GAO overreached its authority in ruling that HUBZone businesses should get priority over 8(a) small businesses and service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.
Modernization
GAO refreshes guidelines for rating computer data reliability
The GAO has released new guidance for assessing the reliability of computer-processed data used in conducting audits; it replaces previous guidelines published in 2002.
People
Rep. Towns: States need help managing stimulus money
The chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee said states need guidance on how to oversee stimulus law spending.
People
GAO sets up shop at YouTube, Twitter
Government Accountability Office moves into Web 2.0 to take its products to the people rather than waiting for them to come to it.
Cybersecurity
GAO urges improvements to FISMA
GAO recommends more oversight by OMB to improve information security.
Digital Government
GAO: Agencies may be losing money on award fees
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy issued guidance in 2007 on awarding contractors award fees that would save money, but many agencies haven't instilled the guidance, auditors say.
Cybersecurity
Improved FISMA scores don't add up to better security, auditor says
The government could improve the way it measures the security of agencies' information technology programs, a senior GAO official told Congress.
Cybersecurity
Coast Guard seeks new IT directorate
To fully carry out its modernization plans — including a new command structure for IT — the Coast Guard must obtain additional authorization from Congress, GAO says.
People
GAO: DOE needs to establish data performance goals
The Energy Department doesn't have adequate reporting measures in place to quantify how much success its national laboratories have in producing scientific research that private industry and others can use to develop new technologies, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Cybersecurity
The limits of a cyber czar
The cybersecurity coordinator needs support from the White House to to the job effectively.
Modernization
GAO: Avoid fragmented broadband policies
The FCC should work with other federal agencies to avoid a fragmented approach on national broadband policies, a new report states.
People
DOD needs better workforce data
The Defense Department has, at best, a blurry picture of its government acquisition workforce’s skills, a hindrance to assessing its needs.
Modernization
GAO auditors echo concerns about Grants.gov
Grants.gov is being overwhelmed by applications for economic stimulus funding and applicants are confused about what to do, a new GAO report states.
People
SBInet spending plan not complete, GAO says
The Homeland Security Department has met only three of the 12 conditions set by Congress for its Secure Border Initiative spending plan, according to the GAO.
Modernization
GAO: Retirement program modernization lags
OPM’s attempt to modernize a paper-intensive and antiquated retirement system is only partially complete, according to GAO.
Cybersecurity
GAO urges review of ship-tracking plans
The Government Accountability Office wants the Coast Guard to make sure its plans to improve ship tracking electronically for security will add value.
Cybersecurity