People
Advisory committee criticizes DHS info-sharing upgrade
An advisory panel has recommended the Homeland Security Department rectify "deficiencies" in its HSIN Next Gen project before spending more money on the project's software upgrade.
Acquisition
Varnado: GSA must prove its contracts' value
The new acting FAS commissioner wants to show agencies that using GSA is still a good deal.
People
Letter: Tracking past performance good but time-consuming
A reader comments about the lack of employees to handle the important task of tracking performance.
People
Letter: National Defense Authorization Act offers no acquisition solution
A reader says acquisition is in trouble, and the National Defense Authorization Act is not going to help.
People
DOD seeks improved collaboration
A new contract focuses on providing training and support to the user community of supercomputers.
People
Committee leaders seek info on HSIN
Some lawmakers and the GAO have criticized DHS’ management of and planning for the $62 million Homeland Security Information Network Next Gen.
People
Military to turn more officers into acquisition
Provisions of a new law require the Defense Department to recast acquisition as an exciting career field to attract the best officers.
People
Letter: Limits to cost-plus contracting not a solution to limit waste
A reader writes about eliminating cost-plus contracting, "It certainly generated a buzz within our community, and that is good because it means many recall that history has shown us that this is not a good way to go."
Acquisition
DOD’s tips on past performance
Despite its spotty record on collecting past-performance information, the Defense Department gives its acquisition workforce some important insights in that area.
Acquisition
Performance: Past is prologue
A company’s track record can count for a lot in future contracts — if federal agencies know what it is.
People
OPM pulls plug on $290 million RetireEZ contract
The agency will continue retirement modernization activities in business process improvement and data standardization.
People
DHS to hold industry day on cyber initiative
DHS plans to hold a vendor day to give industry an overview of what the department will be seeking as it implements its parts of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative.
People
GAO reveals new authority over protests
Congress has given GAO the power to rule on protests of agencies' task and delivery orders, which were once off limits for the auditing agency.
People
Reader comment roundup: Contracting, RetireEZ, Bluetooth-based boarding passes
Our readers have a lot to say about our articles. Here is a recent collection of comments.
People
Letter: McCain, industry have different views on contract use
A reader writes, "The reason for the majority of the cost escalations are the result of specification and performance upgrades that become possible during the performance of the contract."
People
Letter: Top-down leadership, inspiration needed
A reader writes, "I hope the next administration will provide both the leadership at the top we lack and the resources we need to make sure that the taxpayer gets a return on their tax dollars."
People
Burton: Past performance, future results
Agencies should make better use of information on contractors’ previous work, but it starts with better records.
Acquisition