Modernization
NARA finishes testing first ERA software
The first piece of software from Lockheed Martin will help the government create and process e-records schedules and requests for e-records transfers.
Acquisition
Hot or not: Acquisition was a hot spot
Agencies built a foundation for improving workforce skills and contracting practices
Acquisition
Kelman: Too many contractors?
The government’s egalitarian pay structure helps explain some outsourcing decisions
Acquisition
Federal spending database defies doubters
The Office of Management and Budget unveils a system to track contracts, loans and grants governmentwide.
People
FBI delays upgrades to fingerprint databases
Its Criminal Justice Information Service Division will award a $1 billion contract for the work next month, about a month behind schedule, sources said.
People
VA renews QuadraMed health data contract
The agency will continue using QuadraMed's encoder software to help with managing health information and billing and compliance workflow.
Acquisition
USAID to look for IT support
Early next year, the agency will issue an RFP for end-to-end information and communications technology support for two of its components.
People
OMB beats deadline to unveil federal spending database
The administration will debut an online searchable database of contracts and grants data on Thursday.
Modernization
GSA seeks help with IPv6 training
The agency wants to hear from companies that already have GSA contracts suitable for providing training, according to a new RFI.
People
Lawmakers extend oversight in DOD authorization bill
The conferees have passed legislation that changes the rules for competitive sourcing and acquisition, and decreases funding for several programs.
Acquisition
OFPP: Half of contracts must be performance-based in '08
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy increased the goal from 45 percent "to continue to motivate agencies," according to a memo from Administrator Paul Denett.
People
Letter: Army mentality, not workforce, causes acquisition woes
Many acquisition workforce positions could be filled in two years if the practice from the top down was not to prevent capable employees from advancing.
Acquisition
Letter: Know what you're buying beforehand
NASA buys through original equipment manufacturers and then suggests a source, such as a distributor or GSA, to the procurement team.
People
DHS conditionally accepts SBInet component
The department also awarded Boeing, SBInet's prime contractor, a $64 million task order to design a Common Operating Picture software system.
People
Letter: Using GSA is not a waste of money
The Army is building up its acquisition workforce, but the Defense Department should get out of the acquisition business and consolidate its resources under GSA.
People
Letter: Thumb drives are useless at VA
The device drivers don't load and everything at the department is connected via a network, so there is no need for thumb drives.
People
GSA considers outsourcing schedule contract application system
The Federal Acquisition Service wants to replace the input program with one that can quickly process more than 14 million schedule items even though the data may come in multiple forms.
Acquisition
Letter: OFPP must punish restrictive procurements
In "brand-name or equal" requirements, the ultimate guilty party is the end user or client originating the request for a purchase.
People