Management

Agencies expect small fiscal 2025 funding increases — at best

The Professional Services Council’s federal budget forecast predicts that fiscal 2025 appropriations will edge up slightly at best or face potential stinging GOP-led cuts.

Oversight

Oversight of contract security guards at federal buildings is lacking, OIG says

In one notable example from a recent report, a guard at a federal facility told a visitor to place their firearm in a bush to access the building.

Management

Industry execs weigh potential impacts of presidential transition

A group of senior leaders at government contractors outline the challenges and opportunities they see in a second Trump term.

Workforce

The federal government is striving to be a model for employing people with disabilities, but retention is a problem

EEOC found that in fiscal 2018 people with disabilities were 27% more likely to leave federal employment than people without disabilities.

Pay & Benefits

Labor Department sets 2025 federal contractor minimum wages

In a pair of filings in the Federal Register Monday, Labor Department officials set the range of minimum wages for contractors between $9.30 per hour for tipped workers to $17.75 per hour, depending on the job type.

Oversight

Senators debate how to minimize the security risks of federal contractors working with China

Some agencies have blown past deadlines to implement certain requirements that address conflicts of interest in contracting while lawmakers weighed additional guardrails.

Tech

FBI’s Carahsoft raid comes amid allegations of price-fixing

The leading IT reseller is in the middle of an ongoing False Claims Act case involving multiple vendors.

Tech

Could an easy radio fix have prevented the Trump assassination attempt?

“Being able to talk to other agencies real-time certainly would assist in that response,” one official said.

Tech

Generative AI’s fleet-footed evolution is causing quandaries for federal acquisition

Government leaders and federal contractors said the rapid development of generative AI makes it difficult for agencies to determine what types of tools it needs.

Tech

Senators look to mitigate risks in AI procurement

Sens. Gary Peters and Thom Tilis introduced new legislation that would codify safety measures in government contracts for artificial intelligence products and services.

News

Legislation weighing contractors' national security risk heads to Senate floor

One bill would bar federal agencies from contracting with entities that consult with the Chinese government.

Management

White House procurement office marks 50 years

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy has evolved since its inception to ensure the government is “buying as one,” as demonstrated in a new circular on acquisition data and information issued Tuesday.

Tech

Senators call for VA to tighten performance standards in new health records contract

Three lawmakers on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee are calling for the department to “add accountability and oversight provisions” in a renegotiated one-year contract with Oracle Cerner.

Workforce

IRS wants tax training focused on big filers

The agency seeks better training and access to tax law expertise regarding large organizations and wealthy individuals.

Oversight

GSA failing to monitor building maintenance contracts, watchdog says

A new report from the GSA inspector general found that contractors did not complete a majority of maintenance work orders sampled in six federal buildings.

Management

House panel advances bill to make federal contracting easier to understand

The Plain Language in Contracting Act would require agencies to use easy-to-understand language for certain procurement notices pertaining to small businesses.

Management

New rule cements sustainability mandate for federal buyers

A new update to the Federal Acquisition Regulation is meant to help the government meet goals for net-zero procurement by 2050.

Oversight

HHS removed Login from its grantee payment system after funding theft

Hackers used data from a federal contracting hub to steal funding from seven grantee organizations in an HHS breach that occurred last year. Both HHS and GSA say that Login.gov was not compromised or connected to the theft.

Management

Skills-based hiring for contractors advances in the House

The Allowing Contractors to Choose Employees for Select Skills Act would remove degree requirements from federal contract work in some instances.

Management

Senate bill looks to chop through red tape in procurement

The bipartisan legislation aims to both expand access to special acquisition authorities and give new, innovative contractors more opportunities to work with the government.