OMB may restrict use of GSA schedules

<FONT SIZE=2>&#009;Information technology vendors are fuming over a Bush administration proposal to restrict the types of contracts available on the General Services Administration schedules.</FONT>

GSA unveils e-Buy tool

The General Services Administration's Federal Supply Service Aug. 8 officially launched its revamped request-for-quotes tool, called e-Buy. Officials said the tool will increase competition by ensuring larger numbers of vendors have access to requests for quotes published by government buyers.

Acquisition of PwC Consulting would bolster IBM's federal presence

PwC Consulting won't be going public after all. The company announced July 30 that instead of spinning off from its parent company, New York accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, PwC Consulting would instead be bought by information technology giant IBM Corp. of Armonk, N.Y., for $3.5 billion in cash and stock.

Second OMB memo reiterates IT freeze in new homeland security agencies

For the second time in two weeks, the Bush administration has asked federal agencies targeted for the Department of Homeland Security to halt IT spending with an eye toward consolidating duplicative investments as the new department is set up.

SAIC forms strategic relationship with OnStream Media

Science Applications International Corp. has entered into a strategic relationship with OnStream Media of Boca Raton, Fla., to provide customers with Web-based audio and video management services.

CSC appoints two new presidents in fed-sector business

Tim Sheahan is president of the new Enforcement, Security and Intelligence Division, and Pat Ways is president of business development for the Federal Sector business unit.

White House, Congress look to stretch e-gov dollars

Government officials are optimistic Congress will approve the president's request for a $45 million e-government fund in the fiscal 2003 budget this fall.

Senate's e-gov bill endorses Bush's strategy

The administration's e-government strategy got a strong endorsement from the Senate last month, when the chamber approved a comprehensive e-government bill.

E-Gov: Beneath the surface, a Washington Technology Special Report

How big is the e-government opportunity for integrators? Judging by the $5 million the White House is spending on its much-ballyhooed 24 initiatives, not very. But those projects are just the tip of the iceberg ? models and catalysts for more ambitious, big-dollar programs on the horizon. We uncover real opportunities for making money.

Capital Roundup: In brief

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OMB freeze chills industry

Industry and government officials are responding with mixed feelings to the July 19 freeze on selected information technology infrastructure and modernization projects imposed by Office of Management and Budget Director Mitch Daniels Jr.

SI International nets Army deal

SI International Inc. won a prime contract with the Army Civilian Personnel Policy Office worth up to $36 million over five years.

OMB puts on hold new IT projects for proposed homeland security agencies

Office of Management and Budget Director Mitch Daniels Jr. July 19 told agencies of the proposed Department of Homeland Security to halt information technology infrastructure and modernization plans with life-cycle costs greater than $500,000, pending an expedited review by a new Homeland Security IT Investment Review Group.

OMB may restrict use of GSA schedules

Information technology vendors are fuming over a Bush administration proposal to restrict the types of contracts available on the General Services Administration schedules.

Capital Roundup:In brief

The Business Software Alliance and the Information Technology Association of America are pushing for the creation of a cybersecurity agency as part of the proposed Department of Homeland Security.

House passes tech talent bill

The Technology Talent Act of 2001 aims to increase the number of people holding engineering, mathematics, science and technology degrees.

Northrop Grumman team wins NIMA deal

Northrop Grumman Corp. won a $72 million contract to develop a mapping tool kit for the National Imagery and Mapping Agency.

Texas spots suspected fraud using detection service

Nearly $30 million in suspected fraud, abuse and waste in the Texas Medicaid program has been uncovered since an EDS Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Detection System was installed.

White House mulls small-business help

Two White House working groups are slated to make recommendations this fall for helping small businesses compete more effectively for federal contracts. Angela Styles, administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy in the Office of Management and Budget, said the two interagency working groups are expected to offer recommendations this fall for making the procurement process more open to small businesses.

Alliance proposes cybersecurity agency

A cybersecurity agency should be created in the proposed Department of Homeland Security, according to the Business Software Alliance.