Acquisition
Is the government getting aggressive on vendor prices? (Round Two)
Steve Kelman renews his call for agencies to fight for good deals from vendors.
Modernization
3 steps for federal CIOs toward greater IT success
Inspired by the 25-point plan, a new white paper provides additional guidance to federal CIOs on how to make sense of the "firsts" policy.
Acquisition
VA's Frye stirs debate with reverse auction explanation
The VA official who halted reverse auctions becomes the focal point of the debate.
People
DOD's proposed acquisition rule changes faltering in Congress
Congress rejected DOD's proposed changes to FAR language, but changes to commercial of-a-type acquisition aren't completely off the table yet.
Cybersecurity
DHS to obligate $8 billion in contracts by Sept. 30
Agency expects to obligate more than half of its annual contracting budget in the final third of the current fiscal year.
People
GSA's IG probes aren't over yet
A Senate panel has provided a list of targets for future investigations into GSA's operations, and requested updates on the IG office's progress.
Acquisition
Agencies could lose some suspension and debarment discretion
Defense bill would mandate action against contractors in some situations, rather than allowing agencies to decide case by case.
Acquisition
Small businesses face federal market storms
The federal budget crunch could crush small businesses without more agency support, warns columnist Jaime Gracia.
People
Help for contract requirements
Online tools can help program managers develop requirements for contracting, Steve Kelman reports.
Acquisition
Collins presses OFPP nom on politics in contracting
Sen. Susan Collins is concerend about OFPP nominee's stance on a hypothetical order requiring companies to disclose political contributions in bids.
Acquisition
OFPP nominee reveals priorities
Joe Jordan, nominated to lead the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, could get Senate governmental affairs committee approval next week.
Acquisition
Defense bill would boost small business contracting goal
DOD lacks a culture geared toward fostering small business participation, lawmakers believe, but a new bill would attempt to change that.
Modernization
Two House members to hold IT forum over colleagues' objections
The forum is expected to address workforce issues, IT issues, including the data center shutdown proposal, contracting awards based on price, all of which are affect agencies' operations.
Acquisition
Mythbusting: OFPP tackles industry's contracting misconceptions
Officials emphasized feedback early in the acquisition process and taking advantage of industry days as agencies maximize scarces resources.
Cybersecurity
Notes from Naval IT Day: Quips and quotes and food for thought
Every conference has those moments of breaking up the monotony; here's a few from AFCEA Naval IT Day.
People
Crafting better jobs for young contracting professionals
Steve Kelman offers ideas to make government more effective at recruiting young talent.
People
Warriors to Workforce program gives vets a second chance
The VA Acquisition Academy's Lisa Doyle created the Warriors to Workforce program to train wounded veterans to become acquisition professionals.
Acquisition
IG highlights GSA's missing pieces in contract files
Audit finds GSA's assisted acquisition service center, FEDSIM, without complete files on high-risk contracts.
Acquisition
Senators to DOD: Use more of your own employees
Lawmakers urge DOD to avoid placing caps on department employees that contractors don't have to also abide by.
Acquisition