Acquisition
Acquisition reforms rush forward while top OFPP seat remains empty
The OFPP administrator, in theory, is an important person when reforming the procurement system. Nevertheless, Obama's making changes without one.
Cybersecurity
The ethics of contracting: Still an open question
Experts today reacted to reports of inappropriate procurement activities at the Homeland Security Department by saying it was unclear whether such actions are common at other federal agencies.
Modernization
GSA, DISA collaborate on satellite contracts
The agencies are set to join forces to procure future commercial satellite communications. The joint strategy will tackle the impending expiration of contracts set to lapse between 2011 and 2012.
Cybersecurity
DHS officials skirted procurement ethics rules, IG says
DHS officials had inappropriate communications and committed other improprieties in four procurements, according to a new report.
People
OMB tells agencies to cut billions from contracts
OMB issued three memos today that outline $40 billion in savings on contract spending. It told agencies to cut seven percent from their budgets for contractors.
People
Acquisition workforce needs own category, analyst says
A new government job series should include program management, contracting officers, and a new function named “requirements management,” which would be “a professionalized super COTR.”
People
Kundra helps in search for procurement policy leader
Vivek Kundra said the OFPP administrator should understand the overall challenges in government procurement and be able to speed up the acquisition of rapidly changing technologies.
Modernization
DHS to save $87 million with license consolidation
DHS announced a fourth round of cost-saving measures, including replacing thousands of software licenses with a single departmentwide license.
Cybersecurity
New chief to update policies for Coast Guard's acquisition directorate
The new head of the Coast Guard acquisitions unit said he wants to make permanent the relationships between the new unit and the Homeland Security and Defense departments.
Acquisition
Senate passes bill with HUBZone change
The legislation would remove the “shall” in the law that some say gives small businesses in economically depressed areas first preference in contract set-asides.
Modernization
Attention shoppers, federal virtual storefront is coming
Federal CIO Vivek Kundra wants to set up a virtual storefront where agencies can quickly purchase cloud-computing services.
People
Transparency meets skepticism
Government and industry tout the benefits of being transparent and collaborative, but neither wants to bear the attendant criticism and concerns.
Cybersecurity
Panel OKs bill that would increase cybersecurity oversight
A Senate committee has approved a bill that would require the president to notify Congress about existing and new cybersecurity programs that involve personally identifiable information.
Digital Government
Senate amendment would end questions of small-business priority
Sen. Landrieu's amendment would take away any priority one type of business may have when competing for government contracts.
Acquisition
Congress, administration move into protected territory
The government is having a debate about certain small businesses that live by special rules — from ANCs to companies in historically underutilized business zones.
Modernization
IG: DHS should get new infrastructure data system
The Homeland Security Department should finish the acquisition process for a new system that will be used to keep track of critical infrastructure, DHS' inspector general said.
Acquisition
Vet-owned firms grow but still short of goals
Spending with service-disabled, veteran-owned contractors has grown for five years, but is still short of mandated goal.
Acquisition
Small bites, greater expertise produce speedier acquisitions
Procurement experts say there are numerous steps DOD officials could take to increase the odds that acquisitions will deliver the expected results in a timely and cost-effective fashion.
Modernization