Three file Alliant disputes

Three companies have filed bid protests against GSA's $50 billion Alliant contract. A decision by GAO to deny or accept the protests could come as late as early December.

Grassley to GSA: Nix Sun deal

Sen. Charles Grassley has been pushing GSA and Sun to address concerns over the vendor's pricing strategy. But Sun has not provided data for an audit, he has asked GSA to cancel the award.

GSA begins Phase 2 of MAS Express

A test of GSA's program to speed the award process for schedule contracts is moving into its second phase, as agency officials see successes and the potential for more.

Agencies' scores reflect failure to meet small-biz goals

In its first score cards, SBA handed out 12 red scores, which show that agencies did not reach their annual small-business goals for 2006. There were five yellows and seven green scores.

Audit: ITES-2S miscode leaves out small businesses

The Army disagrees with a new audit that says it tied too many contracts together to form the $20 billion ITES-2S contract, which restricts small businesses from competing.

Velazquez: Gulf Coast small businesses being neglected

Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee chairwoman, wasn't impressed with what Bush administration officials had to say at a hearing about small businesses in the Gulf Coast's recovery efforts.

SBA plan would measure small-biz size over three years

SBA said the proposal would benefit businesses by cutting down on burdens when applying for assistance programs while keeping their status for a longer period of time.

Eagle Eye lands GSA database deal

GSA intends to issue a sole-sourcing purchase order to Eagle Eye Publishers for custom programming services as the agency works to put federal contract and grant information into an easily searchable public database.

SBA offers set-aside solution

SBA will implement an Electronic Procurement Center Representative system to help the agency analyze individual procurements and make it easier for agencies to identify small businesses capable of providing requested goods and services.

When is it OK to contract out?

"We need to look at when and under what circumstances is it appropriate to be contracting and when is it not ... ," U.S. Comptroller General David Walker told a Senate committee.

Agencies fall short on VETS contracting goal

Agencies have sent more contracting dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses than in past years, but they're still falling short, an SBA official told a House subcommittee.

Agencies can help VETS GWAC succeed

In a July 10 memo, Paul Denett, administrator of OFPP, asked agencies to review their IT requirements and check GSA's Veterans Technology Services Governmentwide Acquisition Contract for services.

Clinton, Obama draw ire of contractors group

Contract Services Association says Democratic front-runners are taking potshots at government contractors.

Size matters in small-business mergers

A small business that merges with or is acquired by another company now must immediately recertify its size.

Nearly half the small businesses with GWAC not renewed

GSA did not renew option years in June for nearly half of the businesses on a GSA governmentwide acquisition contract set aside solely for 8(a) firms.

Report: Under Bush wasteful contracts exceed $1T

The government's procurement spending continues to climb, noncompetitive contracts occur more frequently, and waste, fraud and abuse persist throughout the departments, according to a report from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

GSA proposal would outsource contract oversight

A GSA proposal to give contract oversight to private companies could erode the federal government's role, said Rep. Henry Waxman.

Waxman blasts Republicans for contracting misconduct

While he stopped short of calling the federal procurement system broken, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) said the system is unhelpful and blamed the former Republican-led Congress for neglecting oversight.

Networx gears begin to turn

Now the real work begins for the winners of Networx Universal and Networx Enterprise.

Lawmaker asks GSA IG to look into Sun contract

Sen. Charles Grassley wants to know how much money, if any, the government has saved or lost under its contract with Sun Microsystems.