OFPP calls for more micro-purchase spending with small firms
A new memo from OFPP and OMB tells agencies to improve training to buy more from small businesses through the government charge card.
OFPP's Gordon reflects on mythbusters, acquisition workforce
Host Roger Waldron talks procurement and other issues with Dan Gordon, outgoing administrator for Federal Procurement Policy at the Office of Management and Budget.
December 20, 2011(Encore presentation January 3, 2011)
Three Recovery Board lessons ready for governmentwide expansion
The Government Accountability and Transparency Board submitted its first report to President Barack Obama last week highlighting oversight and accountability initiatives that could be used by more agencies. The Recovery Board is testing a new site to bring together analytical and forensic tools to prevent and find waste, fraud and abuse.
VanRoekel's 2012 IT goals: Crawl, walk, run
"Crawl before you can walk. Walk before you can run." That's how Federal CIO Steve VanRoekel framed his 2012 priorities in his first speech to government IT contractors in Washington. He said agencies would have to do "more with less," but he wanted to emphasize the "more."
E-gov fund gets boost in spending bill
The latest version of the minibus spending bill for fiscal 2012 includes a $4.4 million increase for the E-Government Fund.
GAO: IT Dashboard accuracy improving
David Powner, the director of information technology management issues at the Government Accountability, told In Depth with Francis Rose the accuracy of data on the IT Dashboard, first launched in 2009, is improving.
EXCLUSIVE: OMB has one-year focus with IT budget guidance
Agencies must report data center consolidation savings this week to OMB in preparation for 2013 budget request. The administration keeps the IT passback guidance short with a focus only on a few priorities over the next year.
Short-term bill more likely before Friday budget deadline
With less than three days to reach a budget deal, lawmakers are more likely now to pass a short-term spending measure rather than a $1 trillion omnibus bill for the rest of the fiscal year, which started Oct. 1. The Hill's Erik Wasson has an update on the budget talks.
Treasury, HHS, Justice find more areas to cut waste
Cutting back on excess dollar-coins, tackling Medicare prescription drug abuse and prosecuting procurement fraud are just some of the ways the White House says agencies cut back on government waste in 2011.
EXCLUSIVE: IT budget guidance muddies OMB's shared-service plans
Federal News Radio obtained copies of the IT budget passback guidance and a more specific draft shared-services strategy. Both documents show OMB has a detailed plan for shared services despite asking for industry and agency input. Former federal officials say the shared-services strategy is part of waking up the dormant line of business and e-government initiatives.
GAO pushes for more oversight of interagency programs
The Government Accountability Office thinks Congress can play a greater role in improving federal agencies' coordination and performance. In a recent report, GAO recommended Congress use new powers under the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 in its oversight, authorization and appropriations roles. The law emphasizes program achievements over processes.
Is DoD's overseas contingency budget an escape hatch for cuts?
Gordon Adams, a professor of international relations at American University and former associate director at OMB, joined In Depth with Francis Rose to discuss what the defense budget restructuring.
New FedRAMP standards first step to secure cloud computing
OMB sets a six-month deadline for initial capabilities to be ready. Along with the cloud security standards and process, the administration highlighted other accomplishments on the one-year anniversary of the 25-point IT Reform plan. The White House said a new draft shared services strategy will focus on commodity IT services.
GOP lawmakers seek more power over regulations
The Republican-run House on Thursday voted to give Congress greater power to approve or reject major federal rules that the GOP calls "job killers" _ regulations covering everything from health care to dangerous children's toys.
Pilot program will prepare Asians for the SES
With Asian Americans making up just 3 percent of the Senior Executive Service, a pilot program seeks to groom more Asians for the government's top ranks. The program, run by the Asian American Government Executives Network, will give 20 Asian SES hopefuls mentoring, networking and placement assistance.
Obama commits to $2B in energy upgrades to federal buildings
Agencies must look for projects to enter into Energy Savings Performance Contracts over the next two years. The effort will cost the government no upfront money. The contractors pay for the energy efficiencies and get paid by the utility savings the department receives. The Army, the Air Force and GSA already are using these contracts.
Small business contracting chief leaving for OMB
Joseph Jordan will begin his new job in mid-December as adviser to OMB Deputy Director Jeff Zients, an OMB spokeswoman told Federal News Radio. He joined the Small Business Administration in March 2009.
'Moneyball' strategy works for feds?
Agencies have tons of data but don't always use it wisely. A new report examines how a few agencies are analyzing statistics to reach their goals. The Partnership for Public Service and IBM suggest in their report agencies try the 2002 Oakland A's approach to using statistics to build a winning team.
FedRAMP cloud security memo makes it past OMB director's review
Office of Management and Budget Director Jacob Lew has approved the cloud security memo and guidance, known as FedRAMP, pushing it to the brink of public release, Federal News Radio has learned. Multiple sources confirmed Lew approved the documents before Thanksgiving and OMB could issue the memo and guidance as early as next week.
Can innovation survive budget cuts?
Join thought leaders from Department of Homeland Security, Government Accountability Office, National Institute of Standards and Technology and Noblis as they discuss future Science and Technology innovation for first responders. This Noblis Insights Panel is titled "Can Innovation Survive Budget Cuts?" In today's budget-constrained environment, how can government agencies do more with fewer resources?




