Oversight
Lawmakers Call for DHS Inspector General to ‘Step Aside’ from Secret Service Probe
Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari failed to notify Congress about the Secret Service’s refusal to comply with his office’s investigation for months, top lawmakers said.
Management
A Bipartisan Bill Aims to Create One Disaster Recovery Assistance Application
Simplifying the application process would remove the burden on disaster survivors seeking federal assistance in the wake of hurricanes, floods, wildfires and more, lawmakers say.
Management
Small Business Contract Awards Hit Record $154B
But fewer of those companies are entering the federal market or competing for the work, the Small Business Administration says.
Workforce
VA Touts Improvements But Warns of Challenges for Digital GI Bill Platform
The Veterans Benefits Administration is still relying on ‘many legacy IT systems” as part of its digital GI Bill platform, which officials said were causing challenges in keeping up with emerging technologies in congressional testimony on Wednesday.
Defense
Cyber Looms Large in the House Defense Authorization Act
From establishing the National Digital Reserve Corps to setting term limits at CISA, here’s what you need to know about the tech and cyber amendments currently featured in the House version of the FY2023 NDAA.
Oversight
The State Department Releases a Draft of Its $10 Billion Plan to Upgrade Diplomatic Tech
The "Evolve" solicitation is designed to revamp the technology products and services used by U.S. diplomats at home and abroad.
Management
An SBA Team Targets Set-Aside Contracts Awarded to Ineligible Firms
The Office of Government Contracting and Business Development successfully steered over $5 billion in contracting opportunities for small businesses away from firms that were ineligible for set-asides.
Management
Small Business Leaders Urge Congress to Address Category Management Woes
As the rate of small businesses providing goods and services to the federal government plummets, experts are demanding lawmakers reassess an increasingly popular procurement method meant to reduce burdens and cost.
Management
Water Sector Leaders Seek Increased EPA Cybersecurity Collaboration and Guidance
Experts from the water and wastewater sectors called on the Environmental Protection Agency to take action on recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission to bolster cybersecurity for America's water infrastructure.
Oversight
Lawmakers Grill VA Tech Officials Over Stalled Progress on Cybersecurity
Top cyber officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs told Congress they are opposed to a bipartisan bill seeking to strengthen the agency’s cybersecurity standards—despite its ongoing failures to meet oversight recommendations.
Management
The EPA Is Seeking Funding to Improve the Cybersecurity of America’s Water Systems
The Environmental Protection Agency is aiming to invest $4 billion in upgrades to the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure with a strong focus on cybersecurity.
Defense
House Dems Urge Social Media Networks not to Delete Evidence of Possible Russian War Crimes in Ukraine
Automated and artificial intelligence-enabled systems may be removing and permanently erasing evidence of potential Russian war crimes in Ukraine, lawmakers said this week.
Tech
Data Collection Features in a New Bill Targeting Equity at FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Advancement of Equity Act would instruct the disaster response to improve its data collection systems to help identify inequities in its distribution of federal assistance.
Management
NASA Chief Calls Out the 'Plague' of Cost-Plus Contracts
The space agency is hoping to increasingly use competitions among top vendors and fixed-price contracts as a new way of conducting business—and cutting steep costs for major projects.
Tech
HBCUs Could Be One Key to Improving Equity in Federal Contracting and Technology
From expanding contracting opportunities for small, disadvantaged businesses to building out a more diverse federal workforce, federal agencies are increasingly aiming to partner with minority-serving institutions to ensure their equity goals are effective.
Management
SBA Looks to Promote Disadvantaged Businesses With 2023 Budget Request
The head of the Small Business Administration told lawmakers the agency is planning to ramp up outreach efforts for small disadvantaged businesses and other firms in need of support to address a 40% decline in small businesses working with the federal government.
Tech
Bernie Sanders Wants Amazon Debarred from Federal Contracting
The Vermont lawmaker cites the company's anti-union activity in a letter urging President Biden to eliminate the e-commerce and cloud behemoth from federal contracts.
Management
GSA Is Launching a New Tool to Simplify the Federal Buying Process
Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Sonny Hashmi said the new buyer experience tool "was built using human-centered design to address pain points in the acquisition process."
Management
Federal Procurement Featured in New Equity Action Plans
Improving access to federal contracting vehicles and supporting small, disadvantaged businesses are key parts in the equity action plans released by agencies on April 14.
Oversight