Modernization

Air Force prepares for NetCents contract change

Gregory Garcia, director of the 754th Electronic Systems Group, which oversees the Air Force’s Network Centric Solutions contract, talks about the strategy behind NetCents-2 and his expectations for the new contract.

Modernization

Security upgrades highlight DISA buying surge

The Defense Information Systems Agency plans to bolster security features embedded in its far-flung networks and data centers via several acquisition projects planned for the twilight of fiscal 2009.

People

Michael Robertson becomes GSA's chief acquisition officer

Michael Robertson, who has worked closely with President Barack Obama since his 2004 Senate campaign, has become chief acquisition officer at GSA.

Modernization

Customs agency ponders acquisition storefront

Officials want to use a “storefront” e-procurement Web site to streamline the purchase of preapproved products and track orders.

Modernization

Rising Star Don Gunnell

Gunnell spearheaded the procurement and deployment of a wireless network to handle voice, video and data at Twentynine Palms’ massive testing ground. The wireless reach-back system is likely to be replicated at all Navy and Marine Corps ranges, including locations in Iraq.

People

Rising Star Christina Bapst

Bapst manages the Enterprise Data Management Office, which coordinates the data collected, managed and shared across DHS’ 22 components. Bapst, who also oversees the budget for the Office of Applied Technology, tightened OAT’s acquisition process, with 98 percent of projects now completed on schedule.

People

Survey: Acquisition employees say they've improved

According to a workforce survey, nine of 17 contracting competencies increased when compared with the same survey done in 2007.

People

Procurement reforms are tough in lean times

Agencies can always hire more people, Congress permitting. But good contracting officers, like fine wines, need time to develop their full potential.

People

CIO: CDC preparing for contract worth up to $2 billion

The CDC's CIO outlines plans for the agency's largest IT contract, which is also the first Multiple Award Contract.

Modernization

DISA, GSA detail $5 billion satellite pact

A new satellite contract that the General Services Administration and the Defense Information Systems Agency are entering into will offer a $5 billion, 10-year multiple award schedule and indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity terms.

Cybersecurity

Regulators urged to lighten up on award-fee rules

Agencies asked regulators to avoid more burdensome rules and reporting requirements.

Modernization

Agencies get creative to recruit acquisition workforce

Administration officials say new ideas are being tried to expand the acquisition workforce.

Modernization

GSA issues cloud storefront RFQ

Storage, Web hosting and virtualization requested on an on-demand basis.

Digital Government

The seven deadly sins of insourcing: A request for comments

What are the pitfalls of insourcing and how might they be avoided? We will publish a selection of the best comments in an upcoming issue of Federal Computer Week.

People

Kundra aids search for procurement leader

Kundra says the nominee for OFPP administrator must understand the government’s contracting challenges and recognize that technology procurements are unique.

Cybersecurity

New Coast Guard acquisition chief eyes changes

Rear Adm. Ronald Rábago wants to align the Acquisition Directorate's responsibilities with the Coast Guard's modernization efforts.

People

Passing the baton

Why, six months into his presidency, has Obama still not named anyone to fill the administrator’s position at the Office of Federal Procurement Policy?

Acquisition

Bill would end HUBZone primacy

HUBZone businesses have priority over companies owned by service-disabled veterans and those in the 8(a) program, but that might change.

People

Analyst: Acquisition workforce needs retooling

A unified acquisition employment series should include program management, contracting officers and an expanded version of a contracting officer's technical representative.

People

The Army's Gary Winkler: Master of change

Winkler explains why change is a natural state — and an imperative — for the service’s information technology portfolio.