Digital Government
Top CBP procurement execs show lighter side at Industry Day
Many of the top IT and procurement officials at Customs and Border Protection were on hand to share information and a few candid remarks at Tuesday's Industry Day.
Acquisition
How close is too close for contracting officers and contractors?
FCW readers are puzzled by Sen. Claire McCaskill's recent comments about the dangers of contracting officers and vendors becoming pals.
People
Benefits of contract management need no proof
Many experts support the notion that investing more resources in contract management will yield savings. But they question whether we need to test the theory.
Digital Government
Jenkins to be FAI director
Federal Acquisition Institute's acting director gets full-time position.
Digital Government
Is competitive sourcing ready for a comeback?
While competitive sourcing has been a no-show for several years, a new provision signals a change in the future toward the Bush administration's policy.
People
Despite big budget cut, SBA would get more funds for IT, oversight
President Barack Obama wants funding for the Small Business Administration's core agency work, including spending on IT, building up SBA’s workforce, and protecting programs from fraud.
Acquisition
Portman gets contracting subcommittee spot
Ohio Sen. Rob Portman replaces Massachusetts Republican Sen. Scott Brown as ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's Contracting Oversight Subcommittee.
Acquisition
GSA official tackles slow policy review process
Acquisition officials are looking closely at three areas of the procurement process that must be fixed to make a faster, smooth-running system.
People
Tight budget revives contracting professional debate
Do contracting officials serve the public or their agency programs? Steve Kelman considers the arguments.
Acquisition
Obama wants money to help agency contracting shops
The acquisition workforce is a key part of the Obama administration's efforts to put control back into the hands of federal employees.
People
Get ready for a no-frills budget proposal
The fiscal 2012 budget request is due out on Feb. 14. Everyone expects it to be sparse, but no one is sure just how sparse.
Acquisition
Could mission specialization solve DOD's woes?
In an era of tight budgets and ongoing conflict, specialization is an intriguing idea, but experts question whether it would save money.
Digital Government
What if they gave a hearing and nobody came?
Not everyone can stay awake through a dry hearing about contract auditing, those who try deserve a high-five or maybe a gift of less than $25.
Acquisition
OFPP mythbusts government-industry communications
Yes, contractors and agencies are allowed to talk. Steve Kelman has some thoughts.
Acquisition
Talks with vendors increase agencies' independence, official says
By opening discussions with vendors, officials can learn what other companies can offer them, instead of sticking with the current vendor, an official says.
Acquisition
Army secretary directs strategic insourcing
Proposals now must be fully documented and justified before they get senior officials' approval.
People
Budget proposes cuts to some service contracts
The 2012 budget is expected to be lean, and details of some of the proposed cuts are beginning to emerge.
Acquisition
Contracting officers get too friendly with contractors, senator says
Contracting officers lose objectivity because they are too friendly with companies, McCaskill says.
Acquisition
POGO argues for release of past-performance information
Government officials continue to withold data on past performance in Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, but watchdog group wants more disclosure.
People