Denett a step closer to becoming OFPP head

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee today approved Paul Denett's nomination to lead the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, more than two months after the White House named him to the post.

The nomination now heads to the full Senate for a vote.

If approved, Denett will replace acting administrator Robert Burton, who has been serving in that position since former OFPP chief David Safavian abruptly resigned last September, prior to his arrest on charges of obstruction of justice. A federal court convicted Safavian of those charges last month.

Burton would return to his role as deputy OFPP administrator if Denett is confirmed.

In his nomination hearing in late June, Denett promised to make government contracting more transparent and accountable, and said he will promote ways to consolidate the government's buying power.