Oversight

From Nextgov.com: GSA to award Alliant contracts by December

Top official says agency will follow judge's ruling to thoroughly consider if companies can provide the IT services and if prices are reasonable.

Oversight

GSA’s draft acquisition system guidelines aim for standardization

Agency hopes the new rules will promote financial system compatibility and further automation of the contracting process.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: GSA panel calls for clarity, transparency in contract pricing

Group, formed after IT companies dropped off supply schedules because of IG oversight, voices frustration over practices and policies .

Defense

DHS wants airlines to collect foreign passengers’ photos, fingerprints

Carriers say proposed rule is too costly and forces them to perform what should be a governmental function.

Oversight

GSA forms panel to review pricing policies

Group to examine schedules' rules governing prices in wake of industry criticism about oversight.

Oversight

Hill, auditors cross-examine officials about new census plan

GAO skeptical that management changes the bureau took after the failure of a handheld computer contract will ensure a well-run 2010 count.

Management

Fostering Innovation

How federal IT managers can encourage their employees to think outside the box.

Oversight

Mismanagement, not technology, caused Census handheld trouble, auditors say

Hill hears that a 'failure of government not contract performance' was to blame for forgoing handheld computers for 2010 census.

Oversight

IRS failed to adequately protect its networks, IG reports

Security lapses with routers and switches left taxpayer information open to possible access.

Oversight

Census to scrap handheld computers for 2010 count

Increased costs and performance issues lead to Commerce secretary’s decision, which will cost the bureau up to $3 billion.

Managing Technology

Fostering Innovation

How federal IT managers can encourage their employees to think outside the box.

Defense

Watchdog: Homeland Security behind schedule on foreign visitor tracking component

GAO says department still doesn’t have a plan to track air departures from the U.S. by the end of 2008.

Oversight

GSA will re-evaluate Alliant proposals

Sparked by judge who upheld bid protests, review could delay contract until summer.

Oversight

Agencies still resist outsourcing financial management, expert says

Some large departments are not embracing the financial management line of business, while most small agencies have outsourced operations.

Defense

Passport system breach highlights shortcomings in agency privacy practices

House chairman seeks names of State Department contractors fired for inappropriately accessing presidential candidates’ files.

Oversight

Public satisfaction with e-government hits lowest level since 2005

Rising user expectations rather than a decline in service could account for lower score.

Oversight

GSA awards $2.5 billion contract for contact center services

Agencies can use USA Contact to set up emergency call-in centers to receive inquiries from the public during crises.

Oversight

GSA signs agreement to open advanced design software

International standards for so-called Building Information Modeling will cut design and construction costs, officials say.

Tech

Government faces shortage of IT project managers, council reports

Chief Information Officers Council backs increased training in key areas.

Defense

Feds losing war on information security, senators told

Experts testify that preventing cyberattacks is getting harder.