OMB picks acquisition advisors

Office of Management and Budget officials created a services acquisition advisory panel to help provide guidance regarding various aspects of government contracting. The creation of the 14-member panel was authorized by the Services Acquisition Reform Act, which passed in 2003.

David Safavian, administrator of OMB's Office of Federal Procurement Policy, said the panel will provide general policy guidance.

"This nonpartisan panel consists of very capable and respected individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, both within and outside the government," he said. "We look forward to receiving the panel's recommendations on effective ways to improve government contracting."

Some observers, however, said that the panel is too industry-friendly. The Project On Government Oversight, for one, is not pleased.

"The distinction between public and private in the defense contracting community is meaningless," said Danielle Brian, POGO's executive director. "There have been a growing number of critics of trends in government contracting, including Inspectors General and the Government Accountability Office, but none of them are represented [on the panel]. The panel is dominated by contractor advocates