How many contractors does it take to make the government work?

It won't be easy for Congress to count and possibly cut the number of contract employees -- for a variety of reasons.

Ban insourcing until policy published, rep urges

Rep. Mick Mulvaney says impact of insourcing on small businesses needs to be considered.

Senate outlines $6.4B in cuts to defense spending

The Senate Armed Services Committee is calling for $6.4 billion in defense spending cuts as it pushes forward its proposed DOD authorization for full Senate consideration.

Senators move to block politics from procurements

A Senate committee doesn't want political contributions disclosed with bid proposals. What else is in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act?

Remembering Anthony Weiner before Twitter

Online Content Editor Alysha Sideman shares her memories of getting to know Anthony Weiner when he was a New York city councilman.

10 lessons to pull back the veil on government spending

The Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board oversaw the spending and tracking of money from the 2010 economic stimulus law, and it impressed many people inside government and outside. Now, it's the model for the future.

Rep. Issa tries oversight on recovery board model

A House bill would shift the USASpending.gov website's functions to a new online database, along with more detailed reports from groups and companies that receive government money.

Government learns social media has a double edge

The public knows where to find your Facebook page and they're increasingly ready to use it to let you know what they think. Are you listening?

Should contractors count when feds want to cut heads?

Members of Congress are wondering if contractors should be included when agencies are looking at reducing their workforce.

House members clash over contractor disclosure order

Members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee put an administration official in the hot seat over a proposed draft order on disclosing federal contractor political contribution.

Push on for more defense cuts

The House Appropriations Committee has proposed spending caps for its 12 subcommittees to trim billions of dollars from the fiscal 2012 budget.

Vince Lombardi and federal management

Sen. Tom Carper recalls a saying by a legendary sports figure to illustrate the importance of setting clear goals.

Former political powerhouses join Partnership's board

The Partnership for Public Service has elected former Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag and other key figures to its board of directors.

Defense industry's confidence shaken by budget battles

The continuing resolutions paralyzed defense spending for months, and the damage remains even after the budget passes.

IT contract cost deviations could trigger CIO reviews

Senators have introduced legislation that would require agency CIOs to conduct a review of an IT project if it deviates 20 percent or more from its baseline cost estimate.

How many DHS contractors are there really?

In an addition mix-up, a consulting firm reported DHS contractors number more than 210,000. The real figure was later found to be about 100,000.

Shutdown, furloughs averted at the 11th hour

Averting a government shutdown at almost literally the 11th hour, Congressional leaders reached agreement on the fiscal 2011 budget.

Bill would put job creation pressure on contractors

A group of House members wants companies to estimate the number of jobs they would create when they win a new contract.

Former GSA procurement chief goes to the Hill again

Emily Murphy will be working on small-business contracting and workforce issues for a House committee.

What your customers face if the shutdown comes

Although President Barack Obama has repeatedly denounced a government shutdown in recent weeks, officials in his administration say they are cognizant that funding for the government expires April 8 and contingency plans are being prepared.