People
OMB to require standard Windows desktop configuration
In a memo going out to CIOs as early as today, OMB will require agencies to move to a standard Windows desktop configuration developed by NIST and the Air Force by Feb. 1, 2008.
People
DOD renews acquisition reform by focusing on unearned fees
New contracting policies respond to longstanding contracting concerns.
People
Editorial: Doan’s task
Despite the controversy surrounding her, the GSA administrator’s main goal should be leaving the agency better than she found it.
Acquisition
GAO wants board of contract appeals
The proposed group would help GAO work through its growing case workload at a more efficient and predictable pace, Comptroller General David Walker said Friday.
Acquisition
FedBizOpps procurement stalls once again
GSA is mum on next steps as judge denies government’s request for reconsideration.
People
GAO: Future Combat System remains a risk
Even if technology issues can be resolved to make the program a success, GAO cautions that projected costs continue to rise.
People
House passes bill to restrict no-bid contracting
The legislation would change federal acquisition law to require agencies to limit the use of abuse-prone contracts, to increase transparency and accountability, and to protect the acquisition workforce.
Modernization
USDA counts down to Networx
The Agriculture Department is prepared for the contract's award, which is expected at any time.
People
Coast Guard: Plenty of fish in the sea for cutter acquisition
It has removed 12 boats from its Deepwater Fast Response Cutter-B contract and will put it out to bid in open competition.
People
DOD to improve monitoring of contract performance
The department will issue new rules to address longstanding congressional concerns about awards being paid despite poor performance.
People
House committee postpones Doan's hearing
Committee staff members gave no reason for delaying the March 20 hearing, at which the GSA administrator was expected to answer allegations of wrongdoing and misconduct.
People
OFPP: Agencies must validate data for Federal Procurement Data System
The move is in line with Congress' mandate to have a public, searchable Web site listing the government’s contracting and grant information by Jan. 1, 2008.
People
GSA to seek commercial financial management providers
The Financial Systems Integration Office will select vendors from which agencies can choose to provide services under the Financial Management Line of Business consolidation initiative.
Acquisition
Oversight bill moves steadily through House
The Accountability in Contracting Act, approved by two House committees, would prohibit contracts of more than $1 million awarded without competition from lasting more than a year.
People
Amid fresh allegations, GSA administrator ‘invited’ to testify
GSA’s inspector general has referred one allegation to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel for investigation under the Hatch Act
People
Anonymous survey to help determine acquisition skills
OFPP, the Federal Acquisition Institute and OPM will use the results to help them learn about specialists’ skills and determine gaps and needs.
People
Kelman: The need for a new way
Inspectors general should abandon destructive practices and encourage managed risk-taking.
People
Councils propose ethics rule for contractors
Rule would require contract employees to conform to federal ethics standards.
Acquisition