10 stories you've been following

1. Windows 7 definitely no 10
Although Microsoft’s new operating system has quick boot-ups and rapid activation of USB devices, annoying pop-ups remain, so it is no system upgrade over Vista. Our reviewer gives Windows 7 an grade of B.

2. Protesting pair halt TSA project in its tracks
Unisys and General Dynamics protest the Transportation Security Administration’s decision to award a lucrative contract to Computer Sciences Corp., stopping work pending a resolution.

3.Slowdown at the DMV? Impossible!
Citing days-long network and computer outages at Virginia’s Motor Vehicles Department and state police offices, auditor slams Northrop’s $2B state contract.

4. Hoosiers pull plug on Big Blue welfare work
Indiana cancels IBM’s $1.34 billion prime award to overhaul the state’s welfare benefits applications program. Gov. Mitch Daniels says IBM wasn’t fixing the poor services fast enough.

5. Justice is blind, but not necessarily swift
Whistleblower Michael DeKort’s lawsuit against the prime contractors for the Coast Guard’s $26 billion Deepwater acquisition program will get its day in court in November 2010, a U.S. District Court judge rukes.

6. We’ll get what we paid for, or else!
The Obama administration proposes two acquisition rules changes designed to help agencies get what they pay outside contractors for and ensure that poor performers don’t get what they don’t deserve.

7. Lawmakers want to mend DOD’s purchasing ways
The final version of the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act would alter DOD's purchasing process by involving users of a new system early and throughout the acquisition process.

8. Fourth time could be the charm for DOJ
The Justice Department is again planning to re-compete its $1.5 billion Information Technology Support Services contract, the fourth iteration of an award for which as many as 15 companies could win spots.

9. Not in time for holidays, but close
AT&T promises to have its dual mode, cell-satellite smart phone on the market for first-responders early in 2010 and available on its Networx Enterprise contract almost immediately afterward.

10. Two out of three isn’t bad
Lockheed Martin’s Bob Stevens remains chairman and chief executive, ceding the position of president to Christopher Kubasik, who also is named chief operating officer.