People
EPA, GAO spar on IT cost estimates
GAO concludes that EPA estimates for an IT project lacked supporting documentation, but the environmental agency is objecting to the audit's findings.
Acquisition
GSA admits demand-based model no 'silver bullet'
GSA is instituting the Demand Based Model to align its resources with areas of greatest need, but admits it isn't a full solution for the Schedules program.
Acquisition
FCW Editorial: Summing up the Networx challenges
Now halfway through its contract period, Networx is experiencing some difficulties in getting agencies to transition to the new vendors and the new offerings.
Acquisition
Acquisition chiefs need clearer roles and responsibilities, GAO says
Without clearly-defined duties, the CAO may not have a strong basis for more permanent inclusion in an organization's leadership structure, auditors conclude.
Cybersecurity
DHS officials drop new questionnaire
Homeland Security Department officials opt for the existing vendor communications plan rather than one that would have put more scrutiny on agency/vendor communications.
Acquisition
Networx: A vision for the future
As GSA designs the next big network services contract, a veteran of the development and management of Networx and FTS 2001 has some advice to offer.
Modernization
GSA looks to a future of everything as a service
GSA is interested in moving everything it can to a service model.
Acquisition
Networx: A gauge of its flexibility
After aiding in an agency transition to Networx, consultant Cedric Sims takes stock of the contract's progress so far.
Acquisition
Contract considerations to include treatment of other companies
The Obama administration wants procurement officials to consider how companies treat their business partners as a factor in making contract decisions.
People
GAO can't solve the 'who's cheaper' debate
So who makes more, feds or private-sector workers? What's the better deal, contracting work or using federal employees? GAO says it doesn't know either. Why are these questions so challenging?
Modernization
Networx: A look at its origins
The government has undertaken three major telecom transitions, columnist Bob Woods writes, and there are important lessons to be learned from each of them.
People
GSA spends $270k for music, food and picture frames at awards ceremony
GSA's event spending has once again put the agency in Congressional crosshairs -- this time over a $270,000 award ceremony, complete with a violinist and 4,000 elaborate picture frames. This time, however, the agency's leadership may be ahead of the lawmakers.
Acquisition
Mis-measuring Networx progress
Some say the General Services Administration has the wrong number when it comes to assessing agencies’ speed in moving to the Networx telecom program.
People
GSA's 5 steps to directing customer traffic
GSA officials are building a more flexible Multiple Award Schedules program by directing suppliers to those schedules customers use most often.
People
House trims, then passes, DOD spending bill
As lawmakers passed the defense appropriations bill in the late hours of July 19, they put new scrutiny on the department's spending and cut the actual amount appropriated.
People
GSA's acting administrator is no mere placeholder
Dan Tangherlini is taking some bold steps at GSA, pushing to improve the agency with tougher oversight and an eye on every penny spent. Does his temporary status jeopardize his chances of making a lasting change?
Acquisition
GSA hopes OASIS dries up duplication
Some changes to contracting could save the government a substantial amount of money -- if GSA is right about the potential of a planned new set of contracts called OASIS.
Modernization
GSA considers cloud brokerage
As cloud computing continues to challenge traditional procurement processes, GSA is on the lookout for new ideas.
Acquisition