Acquisition
NIC updates e-procurement software
NIC Commerce has released the latest version of its procurement software that makes it easier for federal users to customize and compare products they want to buy online
Acquisition
California surplus items up for bid on eBay
The state gets good prices for its specialty items on the popular Internet auction site
People
Don't pounce on failures
When NASA's budget came under pressure in the 1990s as part of efforts to balance the federal budget, NASA Administrator Dan Goldin did what few in Washington do: He accepted cuts without protest, wishing to challenge his organization to take a risk and show it could produce better results at less cost. Thus was born the 'faster, better, cheaper' regime.
Acquisition
Treasury speeds IT buys
Treasury Department workers can order computer products online via a firstofitskind electronic procurement World Wide Web site, according to the terms of a blanket purchase agreement announced last week.
Acquisition
GSA awards Millennia Lite contracts
The General Services Administration last week announced the award of the first information technology support services contracts under the Millennia Lite program
Modernization
Comsat Navy deal can proceed
Comsat Corp. can proceed with a contract to provide satellite communications to the Navy beyond January 2001, after a federal appeals court overturned a decision to block the implementation
Acquisition
FAA seeks new e-mail route
The Federal Aviation Administration is in the early stages of soliciting proposals for a new enterprisewide email capability
Acquisition
Peace Corps awards Seat contract
The Peace Corps has awarded a $16.9 million task order for desktop and network outsourcing services to Federal Data Corp.
Acquisition
Government-market dot-coms team up
TechSmart.com Wednesday announced a partnership with FedCenter.com to offer preowned and offlease hardware and software to federal agencies
Acquisition
Companies band together to sell used technology
State and local customers will be able to buy the products through various online sites
Acquisition
Treasury setting up e-procurement site
Authorized employees at the Treasury Department soon will be able to order computer products online via an electronic procurement World Wide Web site, according to terms of a blanket purchase agreement
Acquisition
GTSI unveiling customer Web site
The government reseller's new site will give government customers and vendors a central site for technology information and purchases
Modernization
Navy adjusts terms of intranet deal
The Navy held a closeddoor meeting last week with officials from the four potential prime contractors vying for the Navy's $16 billion intranet contract to map out what sources on Capitol Hill say could be a major change to the contract.
People
You've come a long way
The framers of the past decade's procurement reforms, which released agencies from old purchasing regulations and bureaucratic red tape, probably couldn't have imagined just how much and how fast government would transform the way it buys information technology.
People
Bold new bid
Caterpillar Inc., the bulldozer builder, decided to experiment with an online auction for buying hydraulic parts and watched with glee as the price of stainless steel connectors dropped from 30 cents to 22 cents apiece.
People
Postal Service first to try online reverse auctions
The U.S. Postal Service has put its stamp of approval ? at least tentatively ? on online auctions.
People
Savings abound
For $1.3 million in fees, Pennsylvania reaped $8.5 million in savings in 1999 by using online auctions to make purchases ranging from coal for heating, aluminum for making license plates and salt for melting ice on roads.
Acquisition
E-catalog pilot raises doubts
The Government Catalog Interoperability Pilot, a key element in the federal government's push toward a World Wide Webbased open buying environment, has been judged a success by its participants, at least in showing the feasibility of the concept. Installing a fullscale version of the pilot, however, is another matter.
People