People

Transportation Command wants greenhouse gas tracking

The U.S. Transportation Command wants help to develop ways to measure the carbon footprint of its vehicles.

Modernization

3 steps to a more flexible cloud procurement process

The federal government needs to implement flexible procurement policies so cloud services companies can become more agile to meet agencies’ unique requirements, a Unisys executive said.

Acquisition

Senators try to block politics from procurement

A Senate committee has approved legislation that would bar any rule to force companies that bid on federal contracts to report who they supported with political contributions.

Acquisition

Continuity after Kundra

The departure of federal CIO Vivek Kundra puts continuity in the spotlight, writes Steve Kelman.

Modernization

DISA reveals strategy for near future directions

The Defense Information Systems Agency 2011-2012 Campaign Plan adds more focus and definition to the agency's near- and long-term directions, including a renewed emphasis on enterprise services and mobile-computing technologies.

People

After Kundra: What next?

Vivek Kundra has been a forceful leader for change in federal IT, say many observers. What will happen to the efforts now under way when he leaves the federal CIO post in August?

People

Speed mentoring: Advice in 15 minutes

Mentoring doesn't always require a lengthy time commitment. Sometimes feds can achieve a lot in just 15 minutes.

People

DOD plays for high stakes with acquisition reform bid

Tech initiatives could feel the strain of DOD's tug-of-war between efficiency and spending.

Acquisition

GAO will finish its bid protest work

The Defense Information Systems Agency contended that GAO's authority to review certain bid protests ended on May 27, leaving Technatomy’s protest without merit.

Acquisition

Ginman officially named director of defense procurement policy

Richard Ginman takes place of Shay Assad in defense procurement policy, as Assad moves to pricing policies.

People

Devaney: Quality goes up when recipients report

Contractors and grant recipients want to save face and avoid unwanted attention, so their data has better quality, official testifies.

Digital Government

10 lessons to pull back the veil on government spending

The Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board oversaw the spending and tracking of money from the 2010 economic stimulus law, and it impressed many people inside government and outside. Now, it's the model for the future.

People

GAO points out DOD technical data uncertainties

Agencies often have to develop new ways of increasing production or maintaining systems without having the appropriate technical data rights.

Acquisition

Baucus bill would highlight veterans' small-business contracts

A senator wants to put the spotlight on agencies’ work to award contracts to service-disabled veteran small business owners.

Acquisition

Offensensitivity: Are you joking?

FCW cartoonist John Klossner recounts his adventure trying to make a joke about a very grim topic.

Digital Government

Federal IT leaders receive AFFIRM awards

Federal CIO Vivek Kundra and other government executives were honored at AFFIRM's leadership awards luncheon.

People

NASA shifts funds to new priorities

As NASA reduces its focus on space operations, spending in other science and technology areas will grow.

People

Administration's use of interim rules upsets industry

Business groups question the Obama administration’s frequent use of interim rules that put a regulation into effect before it's in final form.

Acquisition

DOD wants truer picture of former feds' jobs

A proposed rule would require companies to assure agencies that they comply with rules governing former federal officials before the companies receive a contract award.

People

DOD program drops the ball on pricing paperwork, IG says

A $11.2 billion contract did not have the required documents, such as records on pre-negotiations and price negotiation memos, which are essential for accountability and transparency, report says.