People
Military services falter on single-bid contract guidance
An audit finds that DOD agencies often award contracts to the only bidder without trying to expand competition, despite DOD's own guidance.
Acquisition
Agencies take action as GAO knocks strategic sourcing effort
After an audit found that agencies have made very little use of strategic sourcing, DOD and other agencies point to some reforms, pledge to make more.
People
VA cracks down on conference spending
The Veterans Administration has set new rules intended to prevent a repeat of the conference spending probe that culminated in its top human resources officer's resignation.
People
VA official resigns in conference-spending scandal
A top VA official has resigned and others have been put on an administrative leave in the course of an inspector general probe into spending on training conferences.
People
After VA, Maurice Stewart joins the Ambit Group
Stewart led Veterans Affairs Department efforts to improved communications and transform its relationship with suppliers.
Digital Government
Conference costs draw congressional ire
GSA's conference scandal was just the start. Now a dozen agencies are being asked to defend their spending on conferences.
Acquisition
VA to direct more money to service-disabled vets
VA officials intend to boost their contract awards to veterans.
People
More VA spending goes under investigation
The House Veterans' Affairs Committee interest doesn't stop in Orlando.
Digital Government
VA's 'Patton' parody finds defenders
Not everyone agrees that VA's $52K training film was bad use of taxpayer funds.
Digital Government
VA spent $52,000 for 'Patton'-inspired training film
A House panel begins to detail excessive spending connected to VA training conferences, including production of a video in which an actor parodied a scene from the cinema classic.
People
Senator not done questioning VA on conference costs
Follow-up questions on VA's conference costs include a basic one: Just how much did VA spend?
People
VA CIO charts progress on clearing claims backlog
VA deploys latest version of paperless claims processing system, another step on the road to eliminating a longstanding backlog.
Digital Government
Plain English, please
Plain language is the key to successful communication, but avoiding jargon and complex language remains a challenge for many agencies.
People
VA under investigation for excessive spending
VA comes under congressional, IG scrutiny for possible spending abuses connected to training conferences.
Acquisition
Should VA's company database go governmentwide?
VA has a database of verified companies owned by veterans. Other agencies could take advantage of that resource, GAO says.
Modernization
10 ways to make agile development work for you
GAO has identified 32 best practices for agencies to implement and manage agile software development. We showcase 10 of the best and point you to the rest.
Digital Government
Romney promises VA revamp
The presumptive Republican nominee for president has made reform of the Department of Veterans Affairs part of his campaign.
Cybersecurity
VA fails to communicate clearly; who gets a better grade?
A new report finds few agencies have made progress in meeting the requirements of the 2010 Plain Writing Act.
Digital Government
Filmmakers win over feds’ hearts
A film project strives to illuminate the hard work done by federal agencies.
People