Modernization

2013 budget proposal puts IT on short leash

Obama's 2013 budget proposal aims to cut federal IT but increase its use when it makes government more efficient.

Acquisition

Budget bans disclosure of contractors' political contributions

The plan, aimed at preventing pay-to-play contracting, had drawn heavy opposition from Congress.

Digital Government

Obama nominates defense acquisition chief

Katrina McFarland has been performing the assistant secretary’s duties since October 2011 while serving as president of Defense Acquisition University.

Acquisition

Agencies stuck with tab for federal contractor pensions, taxpayer group says

The Citizens Against Government Waste taxpayer group is investigating the extent to which federal agencies are on the hook for expensive contractor pension benefits.

Acquisition

OFPP and the dangers of politicizing procurement

Experts say the next OFPP administrator must not bring campaign rhetoric to the job.

Acquisition

Mixed metrics fog DOD's workforce fixes

DOD recorded information on insourcing and created its strategic workforce plans in different ways, hindering any real comparion.

Digital Government

AIA hires former House Appropriations staffer as VP

The association's new vice president of acquisition policy brings extensive legislative procurement experience.

People

Army to double its specialized acquisition workforce

The Army is building up its contracting military occupational specialty to grow its acquisition workforce.

People

Why contests are a smart procurement tool

Research shows that groundbreaking ideas are more likely to come from people working on the fringe, writes FCW columnist Steve Kelman.

Cybersecurity

GSA open to outsourcing federal PKI operation

A recent RFI looks for comments on two approaches to managing the Federal Public Key Infrastructure Trust system.

People

Can search make feds smarter shoppers?

The General Services Administration is seeking a database search engine that can help government buyers compare pricing on commercial products.

Acquisition

New bills aim to strengthen small-biz contracting

The House Small Business Committee continues to propose legislation aimed at helping small firms do federal business.

Acquisition

Veteran small-business bill would mandate use of fraud-prevention site

Under new legislation, agencies would have to search the Veterans Affairs Department’s VetBiz database before awarding a contract

Cybersecurity

A better approach to biometrics

Reusing proven SOA-based biometric solutions can reduce costs and delivery time, write two Unisys executives.

People

Imagine that: Government can learn a thing or two from industry

VA's Michele Foster believes vendors have a lot to offer, but only if they are given the opportunity to share.

Digital Government

Top Air Force weapons acquisition official to leave in March

The top weapons acquisition official will return to private industry.

People

Will senators pay attention to OFPP nominee?

Joe Jordan is poised to step into Dan Gordon's role as leader of the OFPP, but it could be too close to election time for the Senate to act.

Acquisition

House members introduce flood of small-business legislation

Insourcing, agency advocates, budget cuts, raised contracting goal: The legislation continues to pour out of the House. But will it go anywhere?

Acquisition

Bill would have feds feel the bite of missed contracting goals

Government officials would suffer if their agency comes up short on a small-business goal, under proposed legislation.

Modernization

Cloud procurement stumbling blocks

Cloud characteristics, like shifting standards and service levels, can pose special challenges to traditional procurement practices.