Oversight

Watchdog unveils government reform priorities for next administration

Nonprofit recommends increasing federal pay and returning some contract jobs to the civil service.

Oversight

Bush performance rating tool draws plaudits, pans

Proponents and critics of PART reflect on its effectiveness in measuring the success of federal programs.

Oversight

Critics allege State broke acquisition rules in Baghdad contract

Deal raises questions about whether contractors should help investigate potential misuse of force by private sector guards.

Oversight

Former procurement chief indicted again

Prosecutors level two new charges against David Safavian and revive three from his previous trial.

Oversight

SBA to stop certifying small disadvantaged businesses

Agency will no longer verify status; companies can self-certify or get help from a third-party.

Defense

Defense auditors express optimism about new job standards

Under heavy criticism, agency nixes all but one of 19 performance measures and creates new ones.

News And Analysis

Earmark Offensive

Army major launches assault on backroom contracting deals in wartime.

Features

Great Expectations

Sen. Barack Obama has outlined a plan for change, but reforming the bureaucracy requires more than words.

Oversight

Defense bill includes major contracting reforms

Measure headed to President Bush’s desk would increase transparency and competition.

Oversight

SBA issues new proposal on small business program, but same questions remain

Agency’s revised rule increases the number of industry groups eligible for set-aside contracts, but it’s not enough for critics.

Oversight

Bailout bill would have given Treasury chief unfettered authority

Legislation would have allowed Henry Paulson to waive acquisition rules and competitive hiring procedures.

Oversight

Defense agency rescinds whistleblower’s gag order

DCAA threatened to discipline contract auditor if she released documents to the Office of Special Counsel.

Oversight

Panel explores potential bias against minority contractors

Researcher suggests updating and fine-tuning limits on the personal net worth of business owners participating in two federal programs.

Oversight

Obama’s contracting plan met with approval, skepticism

Democratic presidential nominee vows to cut the number of contractors, reduce procurement spending by 10 percent.

Oversight

Obama reform plan bears traces of Clinton and Bush efforts

Management specialists applaud what appears to be a continued focus on program performance and results.

News

NASA expands mentor-protégé contracting program

HUBZone, veteran-owned small businesses now are eligible to participate.

Oversight

Non-Cabinet agencies included in formal succession planning process

Executive order instructs executive branch agencies to record who would assume top position in case of death or resignation.

Defense

House panel probes failed Homeland Security contracts

Democrats say taxpayers footed a $15 billion bill for poorly managed acquisitions.

Oversight

Defense audit agency rapped by senators, whistleblowers

DCAA director testifies to Senate panel that agency’s problems are ‘unacceptable.’

Oversight

Senate panel to hear from auditors at troubled Defense agency

Session will focus on allegations that DCAA relies too heavily on arbitrary job performance metrics.