Features

Turmoil at the Top

GSA faces greater scrutiny with emphasis on transparency in IT acquisitions.

News

From Nextgov.com: Complexity of Networx offerings causes delays

Agencies are unexpectedly splitting requirements into different categories, resulting in multiple competitions .

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: GSA's new chief acquisition officer to wear multiple hats

Some IT industry executives question Michael Robertson's lack of procurement experience, but agency officials say he was hired to be an innovator.

News

From Nextgov.com: Agencies likely to miss deadline to transition to Networx telecom pact

Oversight could cost millions of dollars and prompt congressional disdain as GSA is forced to develop sole-source bridge contracts for the old telecommunications contract.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: OMB asks agencies to focus on science and technology in 2011 budgets

New guidance seen as a way to support the White House policy to increase funding in research and reverse the Bush administration's cuts in spending on science.

News And Analysis

Recovering Recovery.gov

Officials grapple with redesign of the federal go-to Web site on stimulus spending.

News

From Nextgov.com: Federal IT spending to increase modestly thanks to cloud computing

Research firm predicts government will increase its technology budget 3.3 percent a year for five years, with cloud computing exploding at a 27 percent annual rate.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: GSA to launch online storefront for cloud computing services

Site will be modeled after commercial online businesses such as Amazon.com to speed IT purchases , federal CIO Vivek Kundra says.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Senate approves E-Verify expansion

Amendment to Homeland Security spending bill allows employers to use electronic verification system for existing employees as well as new hires.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Maryland firm wins contract to revamp Recovery.gov

The General Services Administration awarded Smartronix of Hollywood, Md., an $18 million deal to help government better track stimulus funds.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Agencies seek cloud computing services on Networx

More federal agencies want the greater security and sophisticated technology the huge telecom contract provides .

News And Analysis

Plucking IT Talent

Government faces steep competition as it tries to beef up its ranks with technology specialists.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Advisory panel recommends GSA ax price reduction clause

Group studying Federal Supply Schedules program says vendors should not be obligated to offer government lowest prices.

News

From Nextgov.com: Governmentwide contracts program will remain intact

GSA official says he was making a long-term projection when he told conference participants the agency would merge GWACs with its schedules program.

Management

America’s Got Talent

Integrated hiring systems make it easier to tap the best job candidates.

News

From Nextgov.com: GSA issues presolicitation to overhaul Recovery.gov

A request for proposals could be released by Monday, with work scheduled for completion by October , when agencies must begin submitting their first spending reports.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Latest delay to E-Verify contractor rule prompts doubts about program's future

Obama administration has postponed implementation four times already.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: GSA nominee says Networx transition is too slow

Martha Johnson warns that at current rate the government will not complete the telecommunications shift before the contracts expire in two years.

Managing Technology

America’s Got Talent

Integrated hiring systems make it easier to tap the best job candidates.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Obama raises stakes for cybersecurity

Unveiling results of 60-day review, president says he’ll appoint a cybersecurity czar at the White House.