Modernization
FDA seeks regular mark downs
The agency wants to receive monthly volume discounts as part of an IT services contract.
People
Contractors are here to stay
One scholar argues that government must rely on contractors or reduce its mission.
People
Kelman: The not-so-obvious lesson
A tale of procurement woe shows that contracting officials need to be trusted business advisers.
People
Officials request agencies' strategic-sourcing reports
Acquisition officials seek numbers to gain support for the buying strategy.
Acquisition
Letter: Vendor turmoil is not unique to U.S.
A reader points out that Canada is dealing with its own contracting issues.
People
Letter: Lifting IBM’s suspension was the right move
One reader has worked with or competed against IBM for 30-plus years, and he believes the company is rigorous about following the rules.
People
Letter: IBM sales figure is misleading
A reader says the company’s sales to the government exceed $1.5 billion when you consider indirect sales through other contractors.
People
Letter: Is IBM off the hook?
A reader says the government’s reversal of its ban on IBM shows a failure to adjudicate.
Modernization
FOSE: Abuzz about info strategies
Here are some highlights from the FOSE Exposition and Conference that brought federal officials and company executives together for three days of networking and education.
People
IBM is back, but what happened?
EPA pulls the computer giant out of limbo after the parties quickly reach an agreement.
Acquisition
EPA lifts suspension of IBM
IBM, under contract suspension by EPA, agrees to concessions.
People
DHS seeks to bring more small-biz dollars to veterans
The department hopes that the PACTS contract will help it reach its procurement goals for disadvantaged businesses
Acquisition
Debate over contractors continues
Lawmakers foresee no easy solutions to concerns about acquisition outsourcing
People
Waldron: Restoring balance
GSA has an opportunity to fix problems created by a thorny price reductions clause
Acquisition
GSA memo clarifies terms of IBM suspension
Agencies using GSA contracts cannot place any orders with IBM or evaluate any pending proposals from the company, according to an internal document.
Acquisition
Letter: More to be concerned about with contract specialists
Blended workforce issues don't disappear by shifting procurement activities to another contracting organization, but the degree of separation makes it easier to shift blame for problems.
People
Letter: A collapsing GSA needs to listen and lead
To date I have met no one at GSA genuinely interested in feedback from clients or industry on how to take charge of the acquisition arena as they could well do again. But even if they did listen, they would surely be unable to synthesize and manage the data and effectively respond.
Acquisition
Letter: Use a simple rule: Go for the lowest price
The simplest way for contracting activities to avoid protests is to use the "lowest price technically acceptable" source selection process.
Acquisition
GSA re-examines Alliant Small Business awards
The agency asks 62 small businesses on the governmentwide acquisition contract to extend their offers until Oct. 28.
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