No easy answer to outsourcing drama

Washington Technology Editor Nick Wakeman reviews comments about the Obama administration's push to insource work currently performed by contractors. Sure, there are plenty of emotional reactions, but there are some words of wisdom as well.

An innovative approach to mentoring the new contracting workforce

The FBI turns to FFRDC employees to work with its latest generation of contracting staff, writes blogger Steve Kelman.

EPA slapped for being tardy with contractor evaluations

EPA's contracting officers were roughly four months late turning in their contractor performance evaluations, a new report says.

Has outsourcing gone too far?

The Obama administration thinks so, and it is determined to put more work into the hands of federal employees.

Obama increases focus on small-business contracting

The president has created task forces to focus on small-business contracting problems and opportunities for companies owned by service-disabled veterans.

House panel calls hearing: Why is Networx transition late?

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to bring in GSA, agency and industry leaders to address the slow transition to Networx from the FTS 2001 telecommunications contract.

DOD proposes new conflict of interest rules

Defense officials proposed new definitions for various types of conflicts of interest.

SBA leader vows to crack down on small-business fraud

SBA plans to become more aggressive in suspending and debarring companies from receiving federal contracts, the agency's administrator tells a House committee.

Defense acquisition: the 800-pound gorilla in the room at IRMCO

Why, at a conference dedicated to federal resource management, was defense acquisition avoided as a topic of conversation as much as partisan politics or religion?

GSA chief of staff job is no longer open

The General Services Administration has picked its next chief of staff from within its ranks.

DHS is missing documents on noncompetitive contracts, IG says

The Homeland Security Office of Inspector General has issued a report on a pattern of missing documentation in departmental files regarding contracts awarded without full and open competition in fiscal 2008.

GSA offers more details on huge Connections II contract

GSA offers more insights on pricing, statements of work and small-business requirements at its industry day.

Contractors face fiercer competition for fewer opportunities

An analysis by FedSources finds that government contracting will shrink through 2011 as the administration tries to get a handle on spending and brings more work in-house.

Contract rules need IT security standards, official says

A defense official has recommended changing the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require contractors' IT products to meet minimum security standards.

Smaller task orders on IDIQ services contracts?

A move away from contracting bundling could provide agencies with more flexibility in how they develop and field systems, writes blogger Steve Kelman.

House panel proposes more defense contracting reforms

The IMPROVE Acquisition Act would improve competition, financial management and workforce issues and save $135 billion over the next five years. backers say.

Maybe we need more GWACs

Editor Nick Wakeman proposes that maybe the government market needs more, not fewer, governmentwide contracts.

Contractors win courthouse fight to protect their information

The decision strengthens a contractor’s ability to claim government officials should protect its information despite FOIA requests, experts say.

2010's Top 10 contracts (so far)

We rank the 10 largest contracts awarded during the first three months of 2010.

NIH prepares to fight for contract authority

NIH plans to meet with OFPP about its GWAC authority, but NIH's acquisition director expresses confidence that it will keep its governmentwide contract.