Modernization

GAO: Avoid fragmented broadband policies

The FCC should work with other federal agencies to avoid a fragmented approach on national broadband policies, a new report states.

People

Firm says Chopra wants innovation in health IT

CTO Aneesh Chopra is seeking to improve innovation in government health IT by seeking new procurement channels to increase input from vendors, according to a research firm.

Acquisition

Kennedy debuts health care reform bill

Sen. Edward Kennedy's long-awaited health care reform legislation includes some IT provisions, including establishing standards for electronic enrollment in federal and state health systems.

Acquisition

Report: Think twice before in-sourcing government work

Taking work from the private sector should be done deliberately and based on facts, not innuendo and rhetoric, according to a new report.

People

Why contracting officers get no respect (or do they?)

In response to a recent article, several acquisition officials wrote in to share their experiences in federal government.

People

IG: VA should re-evaluate technology agreement

VA's inspector general said officials should reconsider an agreement with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center to provide technology support.

People

GSA nominee lays out reform plans

If confirmed by the Senate, Martha Johnson would be the fifth administrator in 14 months for the General Services Administration.

Acquisition

Regulators to discuss how to get authentic IT

Officials continue talks with industry about how to make sure the government buys authentic IT products.

Cybersecurity

DHS draws flak for review of services contracts

DHS' new mandatory reviews of professional service contracts: A good idea or too tough to do?

Cybersecurity

Deepwater milestone signals a step forward

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore, assistant commandant for acquisition, discusses the final acceptance of the National Security Cutter Bertholf, which is the largest asset completed so far in the service's controversial $24 billion Integrated Deepwater Systems acquisition program.

Acquisition

Senators grease skids for Johnson to head GSA

Senators say Martha Johnson, President Barack Obama's nominee to be GSA administrator, has a lot of experience in the private sector and in government.

Cybersecurity

DHS' IG reports millions recovered from fraud

The Homeland Security Department's inspector general has recovered $228 million in fines and other payments by investigating complaints of alleged waste, fraud and abuse.

People

Blogging live: Confirmation hearing of GSA's Martha Johnson

Martha Johnson, the president's nominee for the top job at GSA, is testifying before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. We're live at the hearing, bringing the latest information on what's happening. Stay tuned.

People

Acquisition jobs a tough sell to would-be feds

The federal government should be an attractive place to work in these troubled times, but the bureaucracy still scares off would-be employees.

Acquisition

IG: NIH follows most buying rules

The National Institutes of Health's assisted acquisition services have improved, but some problems remain, an inspector general has found.

Modernization

EPA to get Virtual Earth technology

The Environmental Protection Agency will use Microsoft’s Virtual Earth Mapping technology to display geospatial information.

Cybersecurity

$300M in transit grants to aid in homeland security projects

DHS announced $300 million in economic stimulus law funding is available for eligible port security and mass transit projects.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers praise Obama on cybersecurity approach

President Barack Obama’s plans to improve cybersecurity received positive reviews from several senior lawmakers on Friday.

Modernization

GSA offers e-Buy to state and local governments

GSA’s online tool used to get quotes from approved vendors is now available to state and local governments.

Modernization

DHS to scrutinize service contracts

As part of an efficiency initiative, DHS officials will perform an extra review on all professional service contracts over $1 million starting immediately.