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.
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.
Modernization
OMB, agencies to push green IT in contracts
Agencies have been including contract language for green computing voluntarily, but OMB plans to issue a FAR provision to make it policy.
People
Group to GSA: Be a 'trusted adviser,' 'thought leader'
A Northern Virginia Technology Council’s working group told officials to win back customer confidence by speeding processes and using cutting-edge technology.
Acquisition
Letter: Brand name justifications must hold water
All requests for proposals that specify brand name products should be carefully vetted.
People
OFPP: Better training gets results
Denett’s latest memo seeks to create more professional acquisition training
Acquisition
OFPP: Watch use of brand names in proposals
Agencies are failing to specify why a brand is necessary, which can limit competition, according to a memo from Paul Denett.
Acquisition
Progress on spending database creeps along
Robert Shea, OMB's lead on the project, said the online system will be ready by Jan. 1, 2008, despite not moving as fast as he would like.
People
OFPP: Take our survey...please
The agency wants to gauge how agencies are using reverse auctions, especially online.
People
DOD is extending net-centricity to RFPs
A working group is developing recommendations for senior leaders on how to ensure contracting officers are buying net-centric systems.
People
Agencies overlook disability rule
Few agency IT solicitations include mandatory Section 508 specifications
Acquisition
FAR Council endorses SmartBuy
Proposed regulation would give SmartBuy more visibility among contracting officials
Acquisition
Letter: Sen. Clinton just wants to make good appearance
She's showing interest in a questionable award to an Alaska Native firm just to look like a "spend-conscious senator."
Acquisition
Petrillo: A memo to Waxman
Ideas for Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) on how to improve the procurement process
People