Management
Contractors for Trump’s Controversial $3 Billion Food Aid Program Have Hired a Longtime Lobbyist to Tout Their Work
Lawmakers are asking why some federal contractors in Trump’s food aid program apparently lack qualifications to deliver the goods. Companies hired a consultant to tell positive stories.
Management
This Treasury Official Is Running the Bailout. It’s Been Great for His Family.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin Muzinich has an increasingly prominent role. He still has ties to his family’s investment firm, which is a major beneficiary of the Treasury’s bailout actions.
Management
Masks Sold by Former White House Official to Navajo Hospitals Don’t Meet FDA Standards
New information from the Indian Health Service calls into question why the agency purchased expensive medical gear that it now cannot use as intended.
Oversight
Democratic Congressman Calls for Probe Into Former White House Official’s $3 Million Mask Deal
Trump’s former deputy chief of staff won a $3 million federal contract just days after registering his company. He delivered masks to Navajo hospitals that may not work. Rep. Gerry Connolly asked the HHS inspector general’s office to look into it.
Management
The Feds Gave a Former White House Official $3 Million to Supply Masks to Navajo Hospitals. Some May Not Work.
Zach Fuentes, former deputy chief of staff to President Trump, won the contract just days after registering his company. He sold Chinese masks to the government just as federal regulators were scrutinizing foreign-made equipment.
Management
The VA Grand Challenge: Looking for Love in The Wrong Places
To solve a problem as complex and critical as veteran suicide, throw out the procurement playbook.
Oversight
Wedding Planner, Caterer, 'Brand Builder': Trump’s Food Aid Program Is Paying $100+ Million to Unlicensed Dealers
Contractors with no experience in food distribution are looking for suppliers on Facebook while some food banks scramble to find desperately needed deliveries.
Management
Trump Administration Waives Environmental Safeguards to Fast-Track 69 Miles of Border Fence Construction
The White House said in February its goal was to build 450 additional miles of barrier by the end of 2020. The 69 miles would be in addition to a 52-mile project also underway in Webb County.
Oversight
A Trump Official Tried to Fast-Track Funding for His Friend’s Unproven COVID-19 'Treatment,' Whistleblower Says
Whistleblowing virologist Rick Bright says that his Trump-appointed boss tried to fast-track funding for a friend’s coronavirus treatment, and that he was reassigned for insisting that funding be reserved for “safe and scientifically vetted solutions.”
Management
Project Management and COVID-19 Recovery
Lessons from previous disasters offer a guide for government leaders.
Workforce
How Profit and Incompetence Delayed N95 Masks While People Died at the VA
Federal agencies have hired contractors with no experience to find respirators and masks, fueling a black market filled with price gouging and multiple layers of profiteering brokers. One contractor called them “buccaneers and pirates.”
Defense
Lockheed Martin Expects Coronavirus to Delay F-35 Deliveries
Although the company still forecasts an increase in sales, the delays could cost $375 million.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: Despite a Pandemic, Border Wall Construction Continues
Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to explain how President Trump's major project is doing during COVID-19 crisis.
Management
Trump Administration Releases Guidance to Clarify Coronavirus Relief Act’s Contracting Provisions
Agencies can use CARES Act funds to reimburse contractors from March 27 to September 30, 2020.
Defense
The Owner’s Manual for Trump’s New Air Force One Cost $84 Million
The Air Force quietly announced that Boeing’s manuals for Trump’s new $5.3 billion presidential jets are a bit pricier than your average automobile-repair guides.
Defense
Lockheed Adds 1,000 Employees Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Wants to Hire 5,000 More
The defense giant also said it would give bonuses to employees who can’t work from home.
Management
Industry Groups Welcome Stimulus Provisions for Federal Contractors
Agencies may reimburse contractors for paid or sick leave if they can’t telework.
Management
There’s a Playbook for Implementing the CARES Act; Agencies Need to Follow It
We are going to see billions of dollars in new contract spending for both surge and ongoing requirements.
Management
Kushner Firm Built the Coronavirus Website Trump Promised
The extent of Oscar Health’s work on coronavirus testing hasn’t been previously reported.
Management