Acquisition
Putting the GSA Humpty Dumpty back together again
Once the dust settles, the hard work will begin to build a stronger, more customer-focused agency.
Acquisition
VA resumes reverse auctions, but questions linger
Updated guidelines on reverse auctions require contracting officers to show how they benefit the agency's bottom line.
Acquisition
Spare parts pricing -- still crazy after all these years
Despite years of recognition that it's a problem, the government hasn't solved spare-parts pricing.
Acquisition
Industry wants agencies in control, not mandates
Industry groups want agencies to have discretion and the authority to manage its acquisition as it sees best.
Digital Government
DOD puts its acquisition procedures under a microscope
DOD is taking a multi-faceted approach to overhauling the way it buys goods and services in the face of dwindling funds.
Acquisition
GSA's defenders line up
Rep. Jeff Denham's call to dismantle GSA meets skepticism and opposition in the acquisition community.
Acquisition
Issa warns against 'gimmicks' at technology field hearings
Two senior Democratic members of the House committee ask for field hearing to look at IT, acquisition priorities, but Rep. Darrell Issa has strong words for them.
Acquisition
VA official explains decision to halt reverse auctions
Jan Frye says reverse auctions seem to have allowed contracting officers to take a lax approach to their work.
Acquisition
Rep. Jeff Denham: 'Abolish GSA altogether'
The chairman of an oversight subcommittee argues that other agencies or the private sector might be able to do GSA's job better.
Acquisition
Contracting bill would settle debate over including political donations in bids
A House committee approves a bill that would ban agencies from requiring political contribution infromation in contract bids.
People
House tightens controls on conference spending
The DATA Act digs deep into agencies’ conference spending with quarterly reports.
Acquisition
OFPP nominee could be in for a long wait
Obama's nominee for OFPP administration gets a hearing, but experts say getting the actual confirmation vote is too tough to call.
Acquisition
Agencies to pay more toward contractor exec salaries
Obama administration fails in its effort to reduce contractor executive compensation in contracts.
Acquisition
GSA's Oracle cancellation still a mystery
When parties can’t agree on aspects of a contract, experts say call it a day.
Acquisition
Congress steps up efforts to control conference costs
Following GSA scandal, lawmakers continue proposals to bat down overspending by agenices on conferences.
Acquisition
GSA kills Oracle contract
GSA cancels Oracle's Schedule 70 contract for IT services, but offers few details on why.
Acquisition
Sole-source justifications for small-business contracts made permanent
Agencies have been under an interim rule requiring them to justify many small-business sole-source awards. Now the rule has become final.
Digital Government
Are contractors taking government to the cleaners?
Steve Kelman considers whether contractors are fattening their bottom lines at taxpayer expense.
Modernization
Agencies seek to shed antiquated acquisition model
DOD and the intelligence community use an acquisition process better suited to a bygone era, but efforts to move forward are gaining speed.
Acquisition