Cybersecurity

DHS needs to try tech before it buys, GAO says

The Homeland Security Department has made costly mistakes when it bought new technologies before testing was completed, a GAO official testified today.

Acquisition

Procurement oversight: A case of friendly fire?

A well-meaning lawmaker might be reading too much into government-industry interactions, writes blogger John Klossner.

People

Army needs better acquisition process, official says

Growth in Army capabilities must come without an increased price, an Army acquisition official says.

People

Army program signals future of recent acquisition reforms, official says

Government overseers question if Army officials will successfully carry out reforms on buying weapons systems.

People

Connolly works to make green concepts practical

Mindy Connolly, GSA's new chief acquisition officer, takes a practical view of federal procurement policy.

Acquisition

Government should adopt instant feedback features

Columnist Steve Kelman suggests that the government should implement technology to allow quick and easy feedback.

Acquisition

SBA changes anti-suspension, debarment culture, IG says

Some SBA officials believe enforcement foils their agency's mission.

Acquisition

OFPP's Gordon shy about opening meeting results

Experts want more information from the meetings assessing agencies' oversight to protect the government from abusive contractors.

Digital Government

The downfall of volunteerism: The report

There was a no report because there was no time to finish the report.

Digital Government

Procurement leader blasts mandatory debarment proposal

A one-size-fits-all recommendation for suspension and debarment doesn't account for the extreme situations faced by contractors in war zones, OFPP head testifies.

Acquisition

GSA names new acquisition chief

New GSA official, working in an earlier position, helped draft the president's memo on reducing the government's footprint on the environment.

Acquisition

How outsourcing keeps America on top

Contractors are critical to our nation's history of successfully competing through innovation, writes SRA International President Stanton Sloane.

Digital Government

Law lets men, mules continue forward without funds

If money for supplies runs out, an old law can save the day.

People

Government shutdown could leave many in limbo

Shutdowns are largely political moves, but many people, pay and procurements hang in the balance.

Digital Government

Top CBP procurement execs show lighter side at Industry Day

Many of the top IT and procurement officials at Customs and Border Protection were on hand to share information and a few candid remarks at Tuesday's Industry Day.

Acquisition

How close is too close for contracting officers and contractors?

FCW readers are puzzled by Sen. Claire McCaskill's recent comments about the dangers of contracting officers and vendors becoming pals.

People

Benefits of contract management need no proof

Many experts support the notion that investing more resources in contract management will yield savings. But they question whether we need to test the theory.

Digital Government

Jenkins to be FAI director

Federal Acquisition Institute's acting director gets full-time position.

Digital Government

Is competitive sourcing ready for a comeback?

While competitive sourcing has been a no-show for several years, a new provision signals a change in the future toward the Bush administration's policy.

People

Despite big budget cut, SBA would get more funds for IT, oversight

President Barack Obama wants funding for the Small Business Administration's core agency work, including spending on IT, building up SBA’s workforce, and protecting programs from fraud.