Contracting

Musk's government roles create 'clear avenues for serious conflicts of interest'

The SpaceX CEO, who leads a company with more than $10 billion in government contracts, is also the face of a new body aimed at getting rid of government waste.

Agencies expect small fiscal 2025 funding increases — at best

The Professional Services Council’s federal budget forecast predicts that fiscal 2025 appropriations will edge up slightly at best or face potential stinging GOP-led cuts.

Oversight of contract security guards at federal buildings is lacking, OIG says

In one notable example from a recent report, a guard at a federal facility told a visitor to place their firearm in a bush to access the building.

Industry execs weigh potential impacts of presidential transition

A group of senior leaders at government contractors outline the challenges and opportunities they see in a second Trump term.

The federal government is striving to be a model for employing people with disabilities, but retention is a problem

EEOC found that in fiscal 2018 people with disabilities were 27% more likely to leave federal employment than people without disabilities.

Labor Department sets 2025 federal contractor minimum wages

In a pair of filings in the Federal Register Monday, Labor Department officials set the range of minimum wages for contractors between $9.30 per hour for tipped workers to $17.75 per hour, depending on the job type.

Senators debate how to minimize the security risks of federal contractors working with China

Some agencies have blown past deadlines to implement certain requirements that address conflicts of interest in contracting while lawmakers weighed additional guardrails.

FBI’s Carahsoft raid comes amid allegations of price-fixing

The leading IT reseller is in the middle of an ongoing False Claims Act case involving multiple vendors.

Could an easy radio fix have prevented the Trump assassination attempt?

“Being able to talk to other agencies real-time certainly would assist in that response,” one official said.

Generative AI’s fleet-footed evolution is causing quandaries for federal acquisition

Government leaders and federal contractors said the rapid development of generative AI makes it difficult for agencies to determine what types of tools it needs.

Senators look to mitigate risks in AI procurement

Sens. Gary Peters and Thom Tilis introduced new legislation that would codify safety measures in government contracts for artificial intelligence products and services.

Legislation weighing contractors' national security risk heads to Senate floor

One bill would bar federal agencies from contracting with entities that consult with the Chinese government.

White House procurement office marks 50 years

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy has evolved since its inception to ensure the government is “buying as one,” as demonstrated in a new circular on acquisition data and information issued Tuesday.

Senators call for VA to tighten performance standards in new health records contract

Three lawmakers on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee are calling for the department to “add accountability and oversight provisions” in a renegotiated one-year contract with Oracle Cerner.

IRS wants tax training focused on big filers

The agency seeks better training and access to tax law expertise regarding large organizations and wealthy individuals.

GSA failing to monitor building maintenance contracts, watchdog says

A new report from the GSA inspector general found that contractors did not complete a majority of maintenance work orders sampled in six federal buildings.

House panel advances bill to make federal contracting easier to understand

The Plain Language in Contracting Act would require agencies to use easy-to-understand language for certain procurement notices pertaining to small businesses.