Modernization
VanRoekel: Citizens expect more digital interaction with government
With the emergence of a Facebook Nation, Americans have come to expect more digital interaction with their government, says Obama's chief information officer.
People
Nine initiatives that could trip up DOD's enterprise strategy
Defense Department officials acknowledge that some elements of its IT strategy represent high cultural barriers.
Acquisition
Air Force divisions pledge to fight fraud, contractor misconduct
Air Force officials intend to formalize relations between the organizations and have them planning and training together.
People
Defense Authorization bill clears Congress
President Obama had earlier seemed poised to veto bill over prisoner detainment provisions, but now looks ready to sign.
Acquisition
Reverse auctions: A bid for budget-conscious business
Reverse auctions, which have paid off in spades at State, could help other agencies looking to deal with tight IT budgets.
Acquisition
Lawmakers block contractor disclosure of political support
The Obama administration considered requiring political contribution information in contract bids, a proposal that raised a lot of concern in Congress and industry.
Acquisition
Veterans Health Admin procurement reforms not working, IG says
The Veterans Health Administration created a new oversight process for its contracting in 2009, but it is not being carried out consistently, according to a new report.
Digital Government
Company formerly known as Xe, formerly known as Blackwater, changes names again
The training and services contractor is rebranding -- again -- to leave old scandals behind.
Modernization
The hidden complexities of cloud-based e-mail
Agencies should develop service-level agreements that address more than system uptime.
Digital Government
New officer appointments to Cyber Command, acquisition
Recent personnel moves include new assignments to the Army's main acquisition office and Cyber Command.
People
The noisiest stories of 2011
Online comments provide a gauge of the stories that most intrigued our readers in 2011.
Acquisition
Acquisition cost savings: Geospatial agency to try new model
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency plans to launch a Managed Data Center Services Pilot to make IT buying easier.
People
IG warns that mandatory audits could strain resources
While setting statutory requirements, IGs need the authority to set their own priorities and point their resources where they are most needed.
People
Interior, GSA ask industry about incentives
Officials are asking industry serious questions about incentives that might entice the best companies and their best work.
Acquisition
Collaboration needed now more than ever
Industry and government need each other if they're to manage the new world of budget tightening.
Acquisition
Acquisition official: 'Don't chill the dialogue' with industry
Contracting officers have cover from acquisition policies and rules to open the lines of communication.
Acquisition
How common biases can mess with spending decisions
Three biases often make it difficult for leaders to reach a consensus, writes Decision Lens' Kevin Connor.
Digital Government
SBA's Joe Jordan heads to OMB as special assistant
Top official's departure spins off new procurement role at OMB.
People
Officials demand contractor identification
Agencies should stop using generic contractor identifiers to provide greater transparency.
Acquisition