People

Letters to the editor

Cut Waxman some slack; Cybersecurity actions speak louder than words; Background checks have been required for years

Modernization

DOD seeks net-centricity help

Vendors have been slow in providing needed support for net-centric command and control

People

Panel finds contracting disarray

Army needs leadership and training to reduce contracting fraud and abuse

Acquisition

Letter: Agency auditors don't understand programs

A contracting officer says he often has to bring them up to speed, writes one reader.

Acquisition

Letter: Kudos to GSA for pushing back against DOD IG

Comments from the IG that serve to punish sensible decisions that don't align with his own are broadly reflective of how IGs have taken over the lead role in setting procurement policy.

People

Senate passes contracting oversight bill

The legislation calls for agencies to appoint an associate administrator for workforce programs and to set up internship programs for acquisition employees.

People

GSA lashes back at DOD IG

GSA officials take issue with a report that states the Air Force wasted $607,000 by using GSA's assisted-acquisition services.

Acquisition

Continuing resolution causes poor contracting, Denett says

“You don’t get effective contracting if you get the money at the last minute,” the administrator of OFPP said.

Acquisition

SBA plans to keep pressure on agencies

The agency believes it has the leverage it needs to push agencies to meet their small-business contracting goals.

People

IG: DOD wasted money by placing orders with GSA

The department turned to GSA for help in placing orders under an Air Force contract, but the IG said officials should have sought assistance from DOD procurement officers.

Acquisition

Rule would make using SmartBuy mandatory

If approved, the rule would require contracting officers to seek out software or software services through a SmartBuy agreement, provided that it represents the best value.

People

Navy looks beyond NMCI

On Oct. 1, 2010, the Navy will begin transitioning to the Next Generation Enterprise Networks.

People

FAA outsourcing raises concern

Plan for greater reliance on contractors is a challenge for the National Airspace System

People

OFPP redefines acquisition workforce -- again

The office will issue a memo on certification requirements for contracting officers' technical representatives.

Acquisition

The Lectern: POGO hits a new low

None

People

Letter: Many agencies rely too much on contractors

When all of the middle grades are being contracted out, where are the people coming from to take the decision-making positions?

Acquisition

Aronie: The danger of discounts

Contractors should think before discounting their schedule prices on blanket purchase agreements

Acquisition

FCW Forum: Too many contractors?

Over-reliance on contractors threatens to erode institutional knowledge, readers say.

People

Customers give Florida purchasing system high marks

MyFloridaMarketPlace scored an overall customer satisfaction rating of 91 percent, and it has saved the state $71 million.