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."
People
Letter: Readers weigh in on ending cost-plus contracting
Ending cost-plus contracting is not a silver bullet to contracting woes, but trained staff members can still help.
People
Letter: McCain off-base about cost-plus contracts
A reader writes that what can help is to "define the requirement and pay attention to the contractor's performance."
People
GSA may grant waivers for Networx deadline
The agency will enforce the Sept. 30 deadline for fair opportunity decisions, but will consider requests for more time on a case by case basis.
Modernization
Report: DOD needs to require more RFID tags
An inspector general's report finds about 10 percent of contracts lack the required RFID clause.
People
House passes Deepwater reform bill
The Coast Guard would be prohibited from using a private contractor as a lead systems integrator for the Integrated Deepwater Program, except in special circumstances to continue current work until 2011.
Acquisition
McCain wants to end cost-plus contracting
In Friday's debate, McCain said ending that type of contract would help get a grip on agency spending.
People
Buzz of the Week: Unfinished business in Congress
Congress has its hands full with economic concerns, but a hitch in the E-Government Reauthorization Act might have a more immediate effect on agencies' business.
Modernization
GSA’s consolidation 2.0 project
Agency looks to a shared services model to eliminate costly redundancies in the procurement system.
Acquisition
Petrillo: New rules tighten task orders
Provisions of the 2008 Defense Authorization Act address concerns about task orders issued through umbrella contracts.
People
Going through the motions
The Multiple Award Schedule Advisory Panel made several recommendations about fixing the General Services Administration's schedules program during its Sept. 19 and 22 meetings.
People
Panel: Rethink services pricing
Critics: Nature of professional services makes it difficult to apply GSA’s price reduction clause.
People
GAO: DHS needs data on acquisition authority
The Homeland Security Department’s special acquisition authority appears to be working, but better data would help it assess that success, the Government Accountability Office says.
People
DHS seeks model telework demonstration program
The department’s chief administrative officer is seeking a consultant with experience in developing telework policies, guidelines and training to help workers do their jobs from remote locations.
People
$20M Northern Border tech project kept alive
A House subcommittee chairman has rejected a request to cancel a $20 million high-tech program at the border of the United States and Canada.
People
Panel wants larger DHS acquisition workforce
A House committee has proposed spending $6.7 million for new DHS staff members who would check high-risk contracts.
Acquisition