People

VA renews QuadraMed health data contract

The agency will continue using QuadraMed's encoder software to help with managing health information and billing and compliance workflow.

Acquisition

USAID to look for IT support

Early next year, the agency will issue an RFP for end-to-end information and communications technology support for two of its components.

People

OMB beats deadline to unveil federal spending database

The administration will debut an online searchable database of contracts and grants data on Thursday.

Modernization

GSA seeks help with IPv6 training

The agency wants to hear from companies that already have GSA contracts suitable for providing training, according to a new RFI.

People

Lawmakers extend oversight in DOD authorization bill

The conferees have passed legislation that changes the rules for competitive sourcing and acquisition, and decreases funding for several programs.

Acquisition

OFPP: Half of contracts must be performance-based in '08

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy increased the goal from 45 percent "to continue to motivate agencies," according to a memo from Administrator Paul Denett.

People

Letter: Army mentality, not workforce, causes acquisition woes

Many acquisition workforce positions could be filled in two years if the practice from the top down was not to prevent capable employees from advancing.

Acquisition

Letter: Know what you're buying beforehand

NASA buys through original equipment manufacturers and then suggests a source, such as a distributor or GSA, to the procurement team.

People

DHS conditionally accepts SBInet component

The department also awarded Boeing, SBInet's prime contractor, a $64 million task order to design a Common Operating Picture software system.

People

Letter: Using GSA is not a waste of money

The Army is building up its acquisition workforce, but the Defense Department should get out of the acquisition business and consolidate its resources under GSA.

People

Letter: Thumb drives are useless at VA

The device drivers don't load and everything at the department is connected via a network, so there is no need for thumb drives.

People

GSA considers outsourcing schedule contract application system

The Federal Acquisition Service wants to replace the input program with one that can quickly process more than 14 million schedule items even though the data may come in multiple forms.

Acquisition

Letter: OFPP must punish restrictive procurements

In "brand-name or equal" requirements, the ultimate guilty party is the end user or client originating the request for a purchase.

People

Army: Bolstering acquisition workforce could take 10 years

It will take three years to hire 1,400 employees and even more time to properly train them and get support from service leaders, Lt. Gen. Ross Thompson said.

Acquisition

Letter: Don't axe draft RFPs

The quality of proposals rises and protests decline when draft requests for proposals are issues.

People

Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp. revises IT processes

The agency hires the Ambit Group to help transform its business practices after an audit found deficiencies in 34 IT process areas.

People

No SBInet payment for Boeing until system is usable

Integration problems are holding up the completion of Project 28, the initial step in the border security system.

Acquisition

The Lectern: How much competition is enough?

None

People

OFPP: Stop giving incentive awards for average contractor work

Administrator Paul Denett said agencies sometimes pay contractors extra even when they fail to meet objectives.

Acquisition

Letter: Special contracting treatment hurts Alaska Native firms

Allowing noncompetitive awards to certain classes of contractors should be limited to the same requirements as other 8(a) companies.