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- VA chipping away at oldest disability claims in backlog
- What's the latest on phased retirement?
- New mobile tools gives agencies ‘giant innovation permission slip'
- Congress pressures agencies to speed up office consolidations
- Furlough Friday: Multiple agencies took advantage of holiday weekend
- Data breach puts DHS employees at risk of ID theft
- IRS replaces official in Tea Party controversy
- Commerce nominee sails through hearing
- Obama nominates Archuleta as next OPM director
- FedRAMP achieves another cloud security milestone
- Tangherlini to be nominated as permanent GSA chief
- House GOP panel moves on deep budget cuts
- OMB reworking financial system requirements
- Federal retirement funds temporarily tapped
- Friday federal headlines - May 24, 2013
SBA program helps agencies meet contracting goals
Bill Elmore is the SBA's deputy associate administrator for the veterans office of business development. He told Federal News Radio how the Patriot Express program works.
SBA shares tips for hiring reform
President Barack Obama's order to streamline hiring requires agencies to complete the process in 80 days. Federal News Radio asked Kevin Mahoney, chief human capital officer at the Small Business Administration, to provide tips for success.
OMB urging regulatory reform plans for small agencies
The Office of Management and Budget has gotten preliminary plans for regulatory reform from 30 executive branch agencies after President Obama's January executive order calling for a review of unneeded or unjustified regulations. The White House also is encouraging independent federal agencies to submit their own plans, but OMB has gotten just a single page back so far.
SBA assures senator it's fixing management problems
The agency responds to Sen. Olympia Snowe's letter with the specific steps it's taking to improve human resources issues. The Maine Republican wrote to SBA after Federal News Radio's investigation into alleged whistleblower retaliation, human resources fraud and contracting fraud.
Big honors for small business use
In honoring Pantex in the manufacturing category, the SBA recognized the site for its "hard work, innovative ideas and dedication" and for its achievements in the community. We learn more from Pantex's John Woolery.
New SBA rules have a big impact
Will the proposed changes help small business participation in federal contracting? We ask Microtech's Tony Jimenez.
SBA on the scene in earthquake-impact areas
James Rivera, the SBA's associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Assistance, joined the Federal Drive with details on the agency's response in California and Hawaii
Agencies must justify large 8(a) contracts
The FAR Councils are adding a new set of controls to contracts worth more than $20 million going to vendors in the socioeconomic program. This interim rule is in reaction to problems that surfaced last year when 8(a) firms were passing most of the work under the award to large businesses. Agencies also have new requirements to determine the order of priority for small business programs, around multiple-award contracts and when to use other than firm-fixed price contracts.
Agencies must justify large contracts to 8(a) firms
The FAR Councils are adding a new set of controls to contracts worth more than $20 million going to vendors in the socioeconomic program. This interim rule is in reaction to problems that surfaced last year when 8(a) firms were passing most of the work under the award to large businesses. Agencies also have new requirements to determine the order of priority for small business programs, around multiple-award contracts and when to use other than firm-fixed price contracts.
Employee sues SBA for discrimination, retaliation
Karla Saunders alleges the agency violated her civil rights and she was a victim of reprisals. SBA declines to comment.
Many agencies are not under a hiring freeze
Federal News Radio surveyed 10 agencies to find out how they are preparing for a shutdown, and how operating under a continuing resolution is affecting their operations.
SBA gets squarely behind startup roundtables
As part of the White House's Startup America initiative, senior Obama Administration officials will visit eight cities to meet with entrepreneurs and hear directly from them on ideas and suggestions for reducing barriers and regulations to build a more supportive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. We learn more about it from SBA's Sean Greene.
Bill would protect minority, women-owned firms
Sen. Casey proposes legislation that would prevent prime contractors from abusing subcontractors in the acquisitions process.
The budget, new and old, and your agency
On this week's show, host Mike Causey talks with NTEU president Colleen Kelley and Federal Times' Steve Watkins about different budget plans being considered and how they might hit you, or your agency, in the wallet.
SBA increases transparency requirements
Rep. Thompson and Sen. McCaskill have recently proposed companion bills to make changes to the contracting program.
Part 5: SBA responds to whistleblower series
SBA Administrator Karen Mills sent an email to staff to respond to the Federal News Radio reports about allegations of whistleblower retaliation at the agency.
Part 4: SBA's contracting practices under close scrutiny
In part 4 of Federal News Radio's investigative series "Discouraged and Disrespected at SBA," allegations of cronyism and conflict of interest in the acquisition process arise. Over the past year, lawmakers and auditors have raised concerns about the agency's acquisition practices. SBA officials deny the accusations and say they are strengthening their acquisition processes.
Part 3: SBA whistleblowers weigh resolution options
In part 3 of Federal News Radio's exclusive investigative series "Discouraged and Disrespected at SBA," Karla Saunders weighs her options to find resolution in her three-year battle against alleged retaliation. Saunders and three other agency employees say they want to return to their original jobs and restore their reputations. SBA officials say the agency is focusing on strengthening management and oversight.
Part 2: SBA employees allege fake positions created
In part 2 of the special investigative series, Diane Sellers said she faced another round of retaliation just this past January when management moved her into a new position without cause. Sellers and two other career agency officials say they are facing a hostile work environment because they blew the whistle on potential misconduct. SBA says there is no evidence of HR violations or creating phony positions.
Part 1: Four employees claim retaliation from SBA managers
In part one of the exclusive Federal News Radio series, Karla Saunders says SBA management continues to exact revenge against her for testifying on behalf of another employee about agency misconduct. Saunders says among the reprisals she has faced over the past three years is officials put her in two jobs involuntarily that she has no qualifications for. SBA officials deny any wrongdoing and say the administrator has no tolerance for waste, fraud, abuse or mismanagement.
