People

Letter: Ending cost-plus contracts takes away a resource

A reader writes that ending cost-plus contracting will make it more difficult for agencies to do their jobs.

Acquisition

Letter: In contracts, it's about defining goals

One reader offers a solution that doesn't mean using cost-plus contracts but looks at contract management.

People

Letter: Cost-plus contracts have a role

A reader writes that there are good uses for cost-plus contracts.

People

Companies show mix of competitive, noncompetitive contracts

Government information shows individual contractors have a mixed record on competition.

People

Competition eludes easy fixes

Competition for federal contracts has become a political hot button but still defies a quick solution.

People

FCW's The Week

Find links to articles in the Oct. 6, 2008, issue and related items.

Acquisition

Editorial: MAS panel on right track

GSA has a vested interest in ensuring the Multiple Award Schedule program runs as effectively as possible.

People

Panel approves bills on IT, federal employees and telework

A Senate committee has approved legislation that would affect the federal workforce and information technology as this year's session draws to a close.

Acquisition

Letter: GSA should make contract information available

A reader writes that the General Services Administration should make information on contract terms, conditions and pricing easy to obtain.

Acquisition

Letter: Officials need all contracts in toolbox

One reader writes, "Sen. McCain's suggestion would result in a contract freeze similar to the current credit freeze."

Modernization

DISA issues RFI for Net-Centric Enterprise Services

The Defense Information Systems Agency seeks to develop a collaboration system that works on classified and unclassified networks.

People

New office will manage schedules contracts

GSA's new Multiple Award Schedule Program Office will align policies and coordinate improvements.

People

OMB tells agencies to update TIC plans

Agencies must update their plans for reducing their external Internet connections to include the pending modification to the Networx contract to comply with the TIC program.

People

Letter: Application of contract types doesn't replace knowledge

This reader calls for risk-based contracting, stating "Fixed-price contracts are not a solution to poor cost understanding and control."

People

Letter: Where there is high risk, fixed-price contracts don't fit

A reader doesn't agree with McCain fixed-price contract solution. Then states the result would be that "the contractors have no option but to bid high to cover their risk or to no bid."

Acquisition

Letter: Fixed-pricing for most awards is not reasonable

A reader writes, "The notion that everything can be awarded for a fixed price is a bit naive."

People

DOD authorization bill reinforces competition, transparency, oversight

The bill, now heading to the White House, also calls for a Contingency Contracting Corps to ensure efficiency in urgent contracting.

People

IG to audit contractor award fees at DHS

The DHS inspector general says he will review the department's award fees to contractors and acquisition data management in fiscal 2009.

People

Measure would upgrade IT, oversight at DHS

New authorizing legislation for the Homeland Security Department would give more power to the CIO there and require more contract oversight.

People

Letter: Gov't should hold contractors responsible

A reader finds poor government oversight is an issue "The type of contract (pricing arrangement) isn't the problem. Having enough competent government employees to oversee the contractors is."