Contracting News 
Top News
- OMB reworking financial systems to focus on outcomes, not inputs
- OMB taps VanRoekel to lead management team
- Lew taps government retiree pension fund to avoid default
- PHOTOS: Meet the 2013 Service to America Medal Finalists
- Hagel: Accountability breakdown was leading factor in sexual assaults
- Former IRS commissioner faces questions about Tea Party
- SBA starting new lending program for veterans
- New Apple devices cleared to join DoD IT networks
- Army prioritizes access to data in fight over intelligence IT system
- DoD upends slow approval process for mobile devices
- Senior execs' bonuses under fire at agencies
- Gould moves the needle on many of VA's toughest challenges
- Tuesday federal headlines - May 21, 2013
OFPP trying to solve major vendor data inconsistency
The office asked for industry comment on how to get better data into the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. OFPP asked for input on seven questions.
ATF mulls virtual desktops for contractors in cost reduction effort
The agency spends thousands of dollars per user on computers for contractors and task force officers. ATF's chief information officer said those individuals could easily use their own devices to access virtual desktops that provide the same functionality.
Navy sharpens acquisition pencil to find savings
The service is taking a four-pronged approach to improve its procurement process and find savings. A review board looks at all acquisitions to make sure its strategy and contract formation are beneficial. Other agencies, like NASA and DHS, are consolidating more contracts into larger buys.
Army, Marine Corps look to replace Humvee
Despite planned budget cuts, the military is moving ahead to design a new tactical truck to replace the Humvee, which is vulnerable to roadside bombs and isn't expected meet the demands of future conflicts.
Oversight and compliance challenges
Host Roger Waldron talks government oversight with Ken Donohue of the Reznick Group.
July 17, 2012
TriWest to stop challenge to DoD's TRICARE contract
Phoenix-based TriWest Healthcare Alliance will end its challenge to the Defense Department's award of the TRICARE West Region contract to UnitedHealth. The decision comes weeks after the GAO dismissed TwiWest's protest.
OMB redoubles call for prompt payments to small subs
Acting Director Jeff Zients asks SBA and the FAR Council to create a proposed rule to change the acquisition regulations calling for prime contractors to pay small subcontractors more quickly.
OMB to expand vendor offices after initial successful tests
The Veterans Affairs Department said it saved $40 million by using this centralized approach to managing contractors. vendor management organizations also help agencies buy more strategically. OFPP plans to expand strategic sourcing and sets a $2 billion savings goal by 2015.
New MACs face White House price checks
Federal contractors will have more multi-award contracts to bid on this year, but the number may decline in future years, as agencies consolidate their buying into bigger deals.
Lockheed announces 740 job cuts to D.C.-based unit
Lockheed Martin, one of the world's largest defense contractors, has announced a 5 percent workforce reduction at its Mission Systems and Sensors (MS2)business area. The company said it notified 308 of its U.S.-based employees Tuesday "that they will no longer have employment with the company," according to a release.
IG: Medicare contractors vulnerable to conflicts of interest
Firms that are paid tens of millions of dollars to root out Medicare fraud are bidding on contracts to investigate companies they are doing business with, sometimes their own parent companies, according to a government report released Tuesday.
All things small biz
Author Steve Koprince will talk about his book and the challenges facing small business contractors.
July 9, 2012(Encore presentation August 6, 2012)
GSA readying phase 2 of print management strategic sourcing BPA
The agency released a request for information last month detailing copier and print managed services requirements. GSA awarded a strategic sourcing contract to 11 vendors in September for basic print management services under the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative.
Senators quiz defense companies on sequestration
Letter, sent to 15 large vendors, asks for estimated impacts of sequestration on defense contractors.
Dell expands software services with Quest acquisition
The agreement boosts the Dell Software Group's portfolio of available tools, including security and database management systems.
GSA schedules
Carolyn Alston, executive vice president and general counsel for the Coaltiion for Government Procurement, talks about what's ahead for the GSA Multiple Award Schedules Program.
July 3, 2012
In 2011, small federal contractors took it on the chin twice as hard
SBA released data today that showed the amount of total dollars going to small firms is down as are the overall percentage of contracts small businesses won in 2011. Agencies made only one governmentwide goal for SDBs last year.
Contractors in Growth Niches Top $100 Million: BGOV Insight
Companies specializing in health technology, surveillance and services for military special operations bucked the decline in federal contract spending last year, according to a Bloomberg Government report.
What's ahead for small business?
Tom Johnson, publisher of Set-Aside Alert talks about the challenges facing contractors.
July 2, 2012(Encore presentation August 20, 2012)
GAO dismisses protest over huge TRICARE contract
The Government Accountability Office has turned back a protest over a multibillion dollar contract to administer part of the military's TRICARE health insurance system, the losing bidder said Monday. The Comptroller General's decision was not publicly released as of Monday afternoon, but TriWest officials said they had been notified of the rejection.
