People
Customer service tips from developing countries
Other countries appear less constrained when developing new ideas for getting feedback, writes columnist Steve Kelman.
People
Empirical evidence can help inform debate about whether a management approach will improve government
Good empirical evidence about a phenomenon can help inform the debate about whether a management approach will improve government or not, Steve Kelman writes.
Acquisition
Bring back share in savings
It's time to revive the statutory encouragement for this innovative approach to services contracting, Steve Kelman writes.
People
The case for pay for performance
A review of academic research finds tying compensation to metrics can pay off, writes columnist Steve Kelman.
Acquisition
How contractors can help agencies save money
The contracting community should work together to find creative ways to meet OMB’s goal of reducing contract spending.
Digital Government
Performance management sticks around
The Obama administration, under the guiding hand of the impressive Chief Performance Officer Jeff Zients, has re-jiggered the Bush administration approach to performance measurement in a positive direction.
People
Past performance returns
After years of benign neglect from the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, it looks like the use of past-performance data in contractor selection might be back on the agenda.
Cybersecurity
China's cybersecurity fears sound very familiar
I came across a fascinating article while traveling in China that tells us a lot about Chinese perceptions of cybersecurity issues — and something about the human psyche as well.
People
Kelman: Hybrid workforces complicate outsourcing reforms
Federal HR practices, more than sound contracting strategy, encourage blended workforce creation.
People
Kelman: Challenges to conventional thinking can prompt novel ideas
Iconoclasts spur innovation because they do not settle for familiar ideas or solutions.
People
Kelman: Rethinking fixed-price contracting
It makes sense to convert some work to fixed-price contracts, but agencies will need more acquisition staff.
People
Learning from Facebook
Although many Facebook users dislike its new design, the new look makes personal connections deeper.
People
Kelman: Agencies have an opportunity to attract young, energetic employees
Agencies worried about losing seasoned employees to retirement should take advantage of opportunities created by a combination of scarce private-sector jobs and the new president's appeal.
People
Asking the defense industry to give back
The defense industry could contribute to easing the nation's deficit with mild price reductions.
Acquisition
Partner or patsy?
The economic downturn gives agencies a tool for negotiating contract discounts – if they use it.
Cybersecurity
Satisfied employees prove value
Good management has a role in making employees feel engaged and important, and evokes better performance.
Digital Government
The Lectern: Banned in China
A long time ago (I think I'm dating myself here), people used the phrase "banned in Boston" to call people's attention to material, presumably somewhat salacious, that had been banned in Boston -- as a way of getting people in other parts of the country interested in getting it.
People
The Lectern: Contracting in a time of mega-deficits and economic downturn
Government contracting has a number of chronic challenges that need addressing but that can't be fixed overnight. Meanwhile, there is a chance for our contracting workforce, and the incoming administration, to score some quick contracting wins that are related to the current economic and budget situation.
People
Biases and decision-making
Studies highlight the numerous obstacles people face when trying to make decisions.
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