Acquisition

GAO: DOD has not used best-value authority

Since 2004, the Defense Department has had the authority to conduct some A-76 competitions on a best-value basis but hasn't used it, according to the Government Accountability Office.

People

Are small-biz counts too good to be true?

Committee rebukes DHS for over-counting to meet small-business contracting goals.

People

TSA to follow FAR and DHS acquisition regs

Until now, the Transportation Security Administration had been following procurement regulations used by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Acquisition

Letter: Contracting officer wants to participate in policy talks

A contracting officer recognizes his experience and insider view of the contracting process and wants to share that perspective with lawmakers.

Acquisition

Letter: GSA officials should improve schedules program by learning from mistakes

A reader says several reports were written revealing GSA's schedules program problems during a 17-year span.

Acquisition

House caucus to deal with contracting

Four House members have formed a group to promote and broaden involvement in contracting issues.

People

Letter: New rule on excessive pass-through costs shuts out small biz

A reader says new rule will is another way to limit the participation of small business contractors.

People

FCW Insider: Can you be a budget hero?

None

People

Reader comment roundup: Blogs, government competitiveness and more

Find out what the buzz is among our readers. Check out this roundup of readers comments.

People

Outside IG disputes Doan's interference claims

Former GSA Administrator Lurita Doan's claims that GSA's IG interfered with contracting negotiations don't hold up, according to the Postal Service's inspector general.

People

Letter: A fearless, qualified Doan worked for change

A reader writes about Doan's effort to promote change with Democrats in Congress.

Acquisition

HP/EDS merger could simplify contracting

Hewlett-Packard’s planned purchase of Electronic Data Systems for $13.5 billion will likely help better position HP as a performance-based services provider.

Modernization

GSA gives Alliant a second look

Agency tries to debunk claims of flaws in the procurement selection process.

People

Balutis: Finding a new administrator

The post of GSA administrator is a ‘prune’ job — a plum job that needs an experienced hand.

People

Waldron: Time for a schedule focus

The schedule contracts are the government’s most successful procurement vehicle. Invest in them.

Acquisition

Editorial: Schedule panel’s omission

Schedule advisory panel should GSA Federal Acquisition Service commissioner and OFPP representative.

People

Clipping the wings of indulgent travelers

VA and other agencies turn to new e-travel systems to trim excessive costs.

People

House passes bill with contracting reforms

The House has approved a spending bill with provisions designed to curb fraud by government contractors.