Monthly Archives: July 2017

CONTRACT CONSOLIDATION IS REAL AS OMB DIRECTS AGENCIES TO USE ONLY DOD CONTRACT FOR SHIPPING

We’ve spoken often about Category Management and the Trump Administration’s desire to eliminate duplication.  Lest anyone doubt that these efforts are real, OMB issued a memorandum last week directing all federal agencies to use a new DOD contract, even though it technically won’t start until October 1st, for all package shipping.  This could well be the first “shot across the bow” at trying to mandate the use of only certain contact vehicles in each Read more

GSA MAKES EIS AWARDS FRIDAY NIGHT

The long-anticipated, multi-billion Enterprise Information Services (EIS) telecommunications contract made its much-anticipated award decisions Friday, with letters going to ATT, Verizon, Level 3, Century Link and others.  The contract will become GSA’s main vehicle for the delivery of traditional and cloud telecomm services, as well as technology and professional services that are related to telecommunications.  A mix of traditional telecomm and newer market players submitted proposals to GSA.  Agency buyers are certainly anticipating the ability to choose from Read more

CONTRACT PROTESTS UP, SPENDING DOWN

Government contract protests are up 17% since 2012, according to a recent article by NCMA Executive Director Michael Fischetti in the Federal Times.  That’s no surprise since total federal spending is down since that time.  Contractors want to ensure that they have made every effort to get fair consideration for an award or, if they’re an unsuccessful incumbent, extend work during a protest to keep revenue up while planning for a transition.  The traditional concern of Read more

EVEN WITHOUT “PERMANENT” LEADERS ACQUISITION DIRECTION LOOKS CLEAR

Greater centralization, an emphasis on new market participants, and fewer regulations are unmistakable signals that the Trump Administration is sending on what they believe are the essential ingredients to drive better federal acquisition.  With no GSA or Office of Federal Procurement Policy Administrator named, observers must look elsewhere to see the unfolding picture.  Statements coming from the White House Office of American Innovation indicate that Read more

GSA OASIS UNDERGOING MANAGEMENT CHANGES

Todd Richards, Valerie Bindell and two other OASIS veterans are moving out to GSA’s FEDSIM organization and new people are moving in to manage GSA’s large professional services GWAC on a day-to-day basis.  Alexandra Rouse and Sheila Morrison will now be the main points of contact for program management and contracting, respectively.   While the changes, announced by Professional Services Category Manager Tiffany Hixson late last week, may have Read more