Inherently governmental job proposal blurs a blurry world

The new phrases “closely associated with inherently governmental function” and “critical function,” are causing the most concern, panelists say.

House passes bill to upgrade DOD acquisition workforce

The bill seeks to reform the 80 percent of the Defense Department's acquisition system that 2009's reform didn't touch, some lawmakers say.

GSA wants millions to build acquisition workforce

GSA Administrator Martha Johnson says she wants to build up the acquisition workforce and modernize information systems.

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.

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.

Obama forms private-sector board to improve agency operations

A new advisory board will give Obama advice on improving agency operations, particularly in customer service, IT and productivity

GSA chief of staff job is no longer open

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

DOD gets authority to limit contract competition

Defense Department officials today adopted a rule that grants DOD authority to limit competition for contracts when buying to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Obama warns contractors: Report ARRA money or else

The president says contractors failing to report information must be held accountable by all agencies to the fullest extent of the law.

Advocacy group sues government over contract data

A small-business group is concerned the loss of historical contracting data could prevent future investigations.

GSA could be trying to kill rival agency contract

GSA urged procurement officials to deny the NIH its GWAC authority, raising an old question.

Obama talks telework

The president declares that regulations and technology won't stand in the way of telework during his administration.

Administration hopes for ripple effect from outsourcing policy

The administration wants a workforce that can carry out the government's operations and reduce the reliance on contractors.