Agencies miss small biz goals
Federal agencies missed their aim of sending 23 percent of prime contracting dollars to small businesses for the third straight year, according to the annual scorecard produced by Democratic members of the House Committee on Small Business.
New A-76 rules under attack
Just one month after the White House published new procedures for public-private competition of government jobs, federal unions and lawmakers are moving to stall or prevent new competitions.
Infotech and the Law: New California privacy law has nationwide ripple
In 2002, hackers broke into a California state payroll database and gained access to confidential personnel data for more than 250,000 employees. The state did not become aware of the security breach for a month and took another two weeks before notifying state employees. On July 1, California Senate Bill 1386 went into effect to decrease the chances of such a crime happening again.
GIS and database support
	The geologic division of the U.S. Geological Survey is looking for geographic information system and database support, emphasizing database and GIS use in defining total petroleum systems and assessment units in priority regions and provinces. USGS also wants to develop an associated digital data library and help in preparing graphics for USGS publications. There are two solicitations, one for a full time position and one part time, both in the Denver area. Both are small business set asides. For more details, visit fedbizopps.gov, solicitation nos. 03CRQQ0186 and03CRQQ0187. Responses are due by July 15.
Personnel systems management
	The Air Force 88th Mission Support Squadron and other units supported by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base need administration support for the personnel data computer system. This effort will include problem solving, work-group administration, equipment management and customer service in accordance with applicable directives, headquarters guidance and sound IT practices.
Integration and logistics support
	The Coast Guard has released a request for information to assess data and voice technologies on small Coast Guard cutters. Cutters rely on different technologies, such as VHF-FM marine band, cellular phone service and high frequency, for command, control and operational communications during missions. Many have inadequate communications systems to support message traffic or e-Coast Guard initiatives.
Homeland Security budget passes
The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly, 425-2, to approve $29.4 billion for the first full budget of the Department of Homeland Security, but companies in the federal information technology sector should not expect major new IT initiatives to begin soon.
WorldCom gets new heat from Hill, GSA
The referral of a negative report by the General Services Administration's inspector general earlier this month has initiated suspension proceedings against troubled telecom company WorldCom Inc.
Unions, industry seek changes to new A-76 rules
Industry and union representatives called for changes to the new rules for public-private competition of federal work at a hearing today before the House Government Reform committee.
Industry groups ask for changes to size standard rule
Two industry groups weigh in on contract-award rules on certification, definitions.
Government should take the point on cybersecurity, experts say
Security experts today challenged Congress to do more to improve the quality of the nation's software and hardware.
GAO to investigate fed policies on diploma mills
The House Government Reform Committee wants the General Accounting Office to investigate whether the government is able to prevent civil servants from using inflated academic credentials to advance their careers.
Complete interview: Melissa Chapman
Melissa Chapman became the chief information officer of the Department of Health and Human Services in June 2002. It's been quite a busy year. Beside revamping the agency's Web site and making strides in IT infrastructure and e-government, she hopes to introduce a proposed e-government imitative, called the Federal Health Architecture. She spoke with Washington Technology Managing Editor Evamarie Socha for the "Doing Business With" column of the June 23 issue. Here is the complete interview.
Infotech and the Law: FAR changes alter federal rights to commercial technology
On May 28, the Defense and Civilian Acquisition Counsels published a proposal to rewrite of Part 27 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Part 27, which describes government interests in patents, copyrights and technical data developed or delivered under contracts with civilian or defense agencies, is the source of more legal questions from suppliers of commercial information technology than any other part of the FAR.
Buy Lines: Congress should rescind arbitrary spending cuts to defense IT
For the first time, the House Armed Services Committee has given a single subcommittee jurisdiction over Defense Department information technology policies and spending. This subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Jim Saxton, R-N.J., deserves credit for its focus on the department's IT strategies and management.
Much geospatial spending wasted
	Half of federal spending on geospatial systems and geographic information systems may be wasted, according to Mark Forman, administrator of the Office of E-Government and Information Technology in the Office of Management and Budget.
DHS creates cybersecurity division
	The Homeland Security Department created a new National Cyber Security Division within the department's Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate.
GSA wants fed contracts online
	The General Services Administration wants public comment on a pilot project that will put federal contracts on the Web. Comments are due Aug. 5 at Notice.2003-N01@gsa.gov, according to the June 6 <I>Federal Register.</I> Some contract information is available on federal sites, but contracts themselves are not routinely posted. Proprietary information in contracts would be redacted before posting, GSA said.
New A-76 rules draw skepticism
A few months ago, Lou Ray wouldn't touch an A-76 competition with a 10-foot pole. Industry just didn't have a fair shot at winning, he said.
Expert-level tech analysis
	A small business set-aside contract is set for release, looking for expert-level network technical analysis and design services, including planning, implementation, integration, oversight, training and management of the local area network of the Real Estate and Facilities Directorate, Washington Headquarters Services. The contractor will provide labor, material, equipment, supervision and transportation.
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