Oversight

White House push to reduce contractors is at odds with expanding role of agencies

President Obama's ambitious agenda is running head on into its desire to cut contracting. Something has to give.

Oversight

Bush procurement policy chief will appeal conviction

David Safavian’s argument will revolve partly around the possibility of a vindictive prosecution.

Oversight

Miscounting of stimulus jobs cuts two ways

Spending reports indicate that contract and grant recipients under- and over-counted jobs created and saved.

Oversight

GSA aims to improve procurement process through social media

A new initiative invites suggestions to improve federal acquisitions online.

Oversight

New alliance hopes to spur new talent in procurement field

Strategic Partnership on Acquisition Recruitment Coalition to focus outreach on university students.

Oversight

Budget chief says administration is ‘changing the culture in Washington’

In NYU speech, OMB director cites contracting reform and weapons systems cuts as steps to curb excessive government spending.

Features

Competing Objectives

The White House’s ambitious agenda is running head on into its desire to cut contracting. Something has to give.

Oversight

States report saving 640,000 jobs through Recovery Act

Data from states and local municipalities includes $150 billion in grants, loans and contracts.

Management

Deep-Sixing Waste

The Pentagon is a leader in increasing efficiencies through Lean Six Sigma.

Oversight

SBA proposes major revisions to small business contracting program

Changes would affect joint ventures, size and income determinations for potential participants.

Oversight

OMB calls for 5 percent growth in civilian acquisition workforce

Administration also addresses ways to reduce risky contract types and increase competition.

Defense

Administration replaces beleaguered director of Defense agency

April Stephenson, head of the Defense Contract Audit Agency, has been reassigned to the Pentagon comptroller’s office.

Oversight

Group asks administration to measure results of stimulus projects

Report argues for metrics to evaluate the Recovery Act’s effect in areas such as public safety and road repair.

Oversight

GAO gives thumbs down to West Point outsourcing

Watchdog finds the process for awarding nearly 400 positions to a Georgia company was severely flawed and recommends canceling the decision.

Oversight

USDA restructures management offices

None of the 2,800 employees affected will face layoffs, but some could be offered incentives to leave.

Oversight

Former Bush official is sentenced to one year in prison

David Safavian was convicted of lying about his relationship with lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Oversight

Staff shortages linked to Defense audit agency problems

DCAA could boost its workforce by as many as 700 employees, but lawmakers remain concerned.

Oversight

Recovery Act contracting data set for release

On Thursday, the public will be able to view information on agency-issued contracts; state data will come in two weeks.

Defense

Defense policy bill has major implications for contractors

Legislation extends ban on public-private job competitions and limits award fees for negligent contractors.

Oversight

Agencies surpass Recovery Act small business contracting goals

More than 25 percent of all stimulus contract dollars has gone to small firms, but agencies are making uneven contributions.