Acquisition

GSA looks to streamline acquisition for federal buyers

The new Order Level Materials ordering upgrade to schedule contracts can speed up agency buys.

Modernization

NTIA blocks China Mobile's bid for U.S. presence

The NTIA tells the FCC that China Mobile is a potential national security threat if it is allowed to provide international services from the U.S.

Acquisition

SEWP preps for year-end surge

The NASA-managed governmentwide IT contract is adding personnel for the year-end agency spending jag.

Modernization

Watchdog: GSA isn't clearing all contactors for work on telecom transition

According to an oversight memo, GSA didn't complete required background checks on all contractors working on transition duties for the $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Systems contract.

Acquisition

DHS looks to agile in EAGLE II replacement

More than a year after the cancellation of an ambitious, agile services contract, the Department of Homeland Security is still learning from the experience.

Acquisition

USDA reports success with centers of excellence program

As the Department of Agriculture modernizes, the General Services Administration is looking for the next agency to adopt its "centers of excellence" approach.

Acquisition

Can government do e-commerce?

Congress mandated that the government give federal buyers an Amazon.com-style shopping experience, but it's not as easy as it looks.

Acquisition

Small biz programs for contractors could be consolidated in reorg

A White House proposal would harmonize multiple federal programs for small business funding and contracting certification at the Small Business Administration.

Acquisition

GSA closes in on e-commerce portal plan

In an industry day for its planned e-commerce portal, GSA officials addressed vendor concerns and pressed for more ideas on how to develop the effort.

Digital Government

$150M in federal funds for election security is already out the door

DHS' money and expertise are helping states secure election systems, but some officials are still wary of federal overreach.

Acquisition

First EIS contract awards loom

The Social Security Administration is evaluating contract proposal responses while it waits for GSA to finish testing EIS contractors’ back-office systems.

Modernization

Jamming tech targets illicit comms behind prison walls

Federal law enforcement is encouraged after a successful test of technology that could electronically jam commercial mobile phones smuggled into prisons.

Digital Government

CBP's remote arrivals app to launch nationwide

Customs and Border Protection will roll out a smartphone app allowing travelers who cross into the U.S. in remote locations to use their mobile devices to interact with customs agents.

Cybersecurity

Senate approves Krebs to lead NPPD

After running the operation for almost a year, the temporary head of the National Protection and Programs Directorate is set to be sworn in as the group's official director.

Modernization

Why it's getting harder to find sharable federal spectrum

The government is sitting on a goldmine of radio spectrum that could be used to accelerate 5G deployment, but crafting a coordinated policy to get there is complicated.

Modernization

Lawmakers push to expand agency spectrum sharing

New legislation would provide more money for agencies to research how to free up their federal spectrum holdings for commercialization.

Cybersecurity

How Energy's new cyber shop will work

The Energy Department's new cybersecurity and emergency response unit aims to complement critical infrastructure efforts at DHS.

Acquisition

SEWP tool helps federal IT supply chain

SEWP's authorized reseller identification tool is helping the contract vehicle's federal customers weed out unauthorized IT gear and services.

Modernization

Verizon hits EIS milestone

The telecom is the first of 10 prime contractors on the government's $50 billion communications contract to report success on back office requirements.

Modernization

FCC gets pushback on supply chain security proposal

Telecom carriers and device manufacturers are telling the Federal Communications Commission that it may be overstepping its authority with a plan to police supply chain security.