People

DHS IG: Subcontracting concerns unfounded

IG Richard Skinner found that some subcontracting restrictions could adversely affect future responses to disasters.

People

Vet-owned business advocate criticizes VA bill

Congress should push the Defense Department to comply with existing rules giving preferences to veteran-owned businesses, says John Moliere.

People

Report: Law limiting subcontracts could inhibit disaster response

DHS' inspector general wrote in an Aug. 4 report that legislation that restricts subcontracting by prime contractors could inhibit disaster response.

People

Bill would put more eyes on purchase cards

A Senate committee approves a bill that would add oversight by inspectors general on the growing method of government buying through purchase cards.

Acquisition

Restrictions seen hurting disaster recovery

Congressional restrictions make it more difficult for contractors to assist in disaster-response efforts, a report from the Homeland Security Department states.

People

Bill would boost veteran-owned businesses

Contractors and agencies buying on behalf of the Veterans Affairs Department would have to adhere to small-business goals.

People

Williams GSA nomination blocked; options weighed

Bush administration has some options to get around the hold, according to observers.

People

The FAR’s definitions of competition

The Federal Acquisition Regulation defines what qualifies as full-and-open competition.

People

DOT nurtures competition culture

The Transportation Department shot up the competitive contracting rankings after encouraging employees to focus on competition.

People

A push for more competition

White House, Congress want to see less work done through sole-source contracts.

People

DOD maps out plans for improving data

Public scrutiny requires agencies to eliminate errors, procurement official says.

People

Committee approves Williams nomination

A Senate panel was satisfied by Jim Williams' answers to questions about a contract with Sun Microsystems, but Sen. Charles Grassley plans to put a hold on the nomination.

People

Grassley plans hold on Williams nomination

The Iowa senator is opposed to Jim Williams being confirmed to head the General Services Administration because of a controversial contract dispute.

People

Senate panel set to vote on Williams this week

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will consider Jim Williams’ nomination to head GSA.

People

Poised to lead GSA, Williams answers Congress

GSA administrator nominee Jim Williams shared his views on energy efficiency and more with a Senate committee.

Acquisition

Congratulations! Your HUBZone biz is certified

GAO investigators were able to get fake companies certified under the HUBZone program.

Acquisition

SBA faulted on set-aside check

GAO says ‘faith-based’ reporting can lead to mis-reported small biz contracts, costing millions.

People

Denett: Agencies can compete more contracts

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy asks the acquisition council to create a group to boost competition for contracts.

People

GAO says pre-award audits protect prices

Pricing tools can keep tabs on how much contractors' charge the government compared with other customers, the Government Accountability Office reports.

People

The FCW Exit Interview: Robert Burton

Before retiring last week as deputy administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, Robert Burton sat down with FCW.