Modernization
NARA finishes e-archive project, chooses IBM to maintain system
The National Archives and Records Administration has closed the book on development of the Electronic Records Archives -- for now.
Acquisition
OFPP trims fat from interagency contracting overlap
OFPP says agencies should stop, look and listen before going ahead with an interagency contract.
Acquisition
GSA matches customer DNA to IT commodity program
Agencies are going to GSA to buy their commercial off-the-shelf products rather than developing custom-made solutions, so GSA is developing its own solution.
Acquisition
DOD tripped up by low staffing, poor planning
Officials will end relatively few contracts by their closeout date because 90 percent are already overdue.
Acquisition
Procurement shops to become more automated
The regulatory-laden federal procurement process is tough to turn in any new direction, but younger employees and tighter budgets might move it slightly.
Cybersecurity
Coast Guard CIO still needs full authority, audit finds
The Coast Guard's new IT management strategic plan and acquisition guidance earned kudos, but the CIO still does not have sufficient oversight authority, an audit concluded.
People
Army's new network strategy to guide acquisition, budget decisions
The Army's Network Integration Evaluation is modernizing the way the Army develops, acquires and fields technology, and is also helping guide decision-making in austere budget conditions.
Acquisition
What does the $16 muffin really mean?
Attention to allegedly overpriced conference muffins gives a false image of the reasons for the deficit, writes Steve Kelman.
People
IRS vendor management yields big savings in short time
IRS's experience yields practical tips for making a VMO effective at creating cost savings.
Acquisition
Did SSA lose track of employees when it overspent on software?
Federal auditors ask what blunders the Social Security Administration made that led to overspending on software licenses.
Acquisition
Kundra's IT cartel theory: Arguments for and against
Former Federal CIO Vivek Kundra deserves credit for giving people the opportunity to voice their frustrations, whether you agree with him or not.
Acquisition
Lawmaker wants to scrap small-business classification system
Sen. Claire McCaskill wants to end a long-used system that is "complex,""clumsy" and "nuts."
People
Outrage over $16 muffins marks heightened scrutiny, experts say
Federal agencies should brace for close auditing of all of their activities as part of the drive to cut government expenses, experts predict.
People
Agencies should create 'vendor management office,' officials urge
Recommended by the President's Management Advisory Board, the offices would oversee contracts and ensure contractors are delivering what they promise.
Acquisition
Wasteful spending on the front lines
The Commission on Wartime Contracting has finished its work. Now what?
Acquisition
Senators hope to help small companies
The Senate wants to toughen penalties for large companies masquerading as small businesses.
Acquisition
Senator fumes at contracting lessons unlearned
Sen. Claire McCaskill said the billions of dollars wasted in Iraq and Afghanistan is a repeat of contracting problems in past contingency operations.
Acquisition
OMB, GSA to reteach feds' printing behavior
Before agencies warm up their printers, officials also want them to understand the effects of printing.
Cybersecurity
The ideal CIO? Not a tech geek
Mark Forman and Paul Brubaker take issue with OMB's recent efforts to redefine the role of agency CIOs, saying they undermine the intentions of the Clinger-Cohen Act.
Acquisition