Acquisition
A new (old) way to fund IT modernization
Steve Kelman suggests that share-in-savings contracting could help agencies solve the funding conundrum and tackle legacy IT.
People
What GS-15s in contracting really think about government acquisition
Steve Kelman sits down with feds in the Harvard Kennedy School's executive education program.
People
Trump's triumph
Steve Kelman suggests the president-elect's brash communication style could prove effective in office as well.
Acquisition
An IT moonshot: Can government IT development come to look like SpaceX?
Steve Kelman outlines the changes needed to truly transform IT acquisition.
Acquisition
A smoking gun for government contracting -- will it be in Trump's crosshairs?
Steve Kelman suggests that satellite launches hold a lesson -- and a warning -- for the future of IT acquisition.
People
Procurement policy and the transition sweepstakes
While would-be Trump officials are lobbying for jobs, Steve Kelman makes the case for some fundamental policy priorities.
People
Will Trump make acquisition great again?
Steve Kelman sees signs for optimism in some of the president-elect's pronouncements.
Acquisition
Donald Trump and federal procurement: Who woulda thunk it?
Steve Kelman notes that acquisition issues have surfaced twice already for the next administration.
Digital Government
An eye-opening visit to a citizen service center in China
It's easy to assume the United States is leading the way on digitally serving the citizen. Steve Kelman argues that confidence is misplaced.
Acquisition
Chatting with contractors at the Coalition for Government Procurement
Steve Kelman takes the pulse of vendors who focus on the public sector.
People
Donald Trump's management agenda?
Steve Kelman looks for clues (and raises concerns) about how the next administration might run.
Digital Government
What Dorothy's ruby slippers say about government management
Steve Kelman argues that the Smithsonian's proposed $300,000 restoration of the shoes Judy Garland wore in "The Wizard of Oz" reflects the same mentality that produces over-engineered government IT projects.
People
Analysis paralysis in government?
Finding a balance between studying a problem to death and taking swift action can be tricky, but there are signs that federal managers are trying to address the challenge.
People
Three tips for working with a toxic colleague
Steve Kelman recommends an executive coach's advice for "creating productive relationships, even with individuals you find distasteful."
People
A bipartisan proposal for performance management in the next administration
Steve Kelman applauds a new report, and its potential for pushing smart management under the next president.
People
One size fits all?
Steve Kelman argues that acquisition professionals need more room for discretion, not less.
Digital Government
AI is coming
Steve Kelman looks at the potential -- and potential risks -- of letting algorithms drive government decision-making.
Digital Government
Innovation in government can come from anywhere
Steve Kelman sees potential in a public-domain piano experiment.
Acquisition
A sobering take on government contractors: What can be done?
Steve Kelman has ideas for helping innovative firms clear the hurdles to doing business with the government.
Modernization