An joint venture, and its non-SDVOSB member, weren’t able to protest the terms of a VA SDVOSB set-aside because the joint venture wasn’t verified, and wasn’t
Source: Unverified SDVOSB JV Couldn’t Protest VA Set-Aside Solicitation – SmallGovCon
Over many conversations with technology leaders and managers, I have realized that the term ‘agile software development’ has become synonymous with agile methodologies like Extreme Programming (XP), SCRUM, Lean Development and more. While that by itself is not a problem, not realizing that successful agile software development also requires a significant mindset shift and a leadership style shift from traditional software development is, in fact, a serious problem.
SOURCE: EFFECTIVE TECH TEAMS KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘BEING AGILE’ AND ‘DOING AGILE’ | ONIVA
The Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) recently published its annual report for fiscal year 2017. It shows that the backlog of pending cases has decreased by about 10 percent from the prior year, from 1,077 to 970 cases. During the year, 524 new cases were docketed, 47 cases were reinstated and 678 cases were dispositioned.
Source: PNWC’s Government Contracting Update: ASBCA Reduced Its Backlog During Fiscal Year 2017
The Internal Revenue Service has been working at modernizing its information technology systems for the past 25 years. Last year, it spent some $800 million on these efforts, covering nearly two dozen major projects and more than 100 smaller ones. The Government Accountability Office has been tracking IRS technology investment performance for the same 25 years. How are things looking in fiscal 2018? Dave Powner, director of information technology management issues at GAO, gave Federal Drive with Tom Temin an update.
Source: Dave Powner: GAO gives IRS report card on modernization effort – FederalNewsRadio.com
The Defense Department says it wants to begin a new era of open communications with industry. It’s a pledge that was made by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the annual AUSA conference earlier this month, and reinforced by Ellen Lord, the undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, logistics and technology, who said she wants to use that industry input to get better results from the acquisition system. David Berteau, the president and CEO of the Professional Services Council, tells Federal Drive with Tom Temin more about the changes Lord wants to make, and what industry thinks better cooperation might look like.
Source: David Berteau: DoD aims for more open communications with industry – FederalNewsRadio.com
The rapid rate of technology change has created steep challenges for organizations of all shapes and sizes. It’s no secret that innovation now arrives faster than most CIOs and IT departments can cope with. All too often, before an enterprise completes one project, two more initiatives appear on the horizon. A new research report from Gartner, “Top Strategic Predictions for 2018 and Beyond: Pace Yourself, for Sanity’s Sake,” assembles some key predictions, research findings and recommendations for what to focus on and how to navigate today’s accelerating rate of digital change. Gartner reports that meeting goals for revenue generation and value creation will increasingly rely on engaging and reengaging people and businesses on ways to adopt and use technology for maximum gain. Gartner also examines how specific technologies—ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) to blockchain and bots—are altering the business and IT landscape, along with the key areas that business and IT leaders are focusing on. Here are some of the key findings and recommendations.
The Small Business Administration is closing in on a proposed rule that will lighten the load for both its contracting officers, and the women-owned small businesses (WOSB) looking to work with the federal government.
Sean Crean, director of SBA’s Office of Government Contracting, said SBA is about 30-60 days away from putting a rule out for public comment, establishing a WOSB certification process.
Source: SBA hopes to cut back on the hoop jumping for government contractors, WOSBs
The Navy leased three boats from Assessment and Training Solutions Consulting Corporation (ATSCC) for training purposes. The lease extended 18 months and required the contractor to provide routine preventative maintenance. Any repairs from damages that were the Government’s fault would be paid for separately. At lease end, the Navy returned the boats in damaged condition. ATSCC tallied the damages and submitted a claim for about $58 thousand.
Source: PNWC’s Government Contracting Update: What is the “Law of Bailment”?
This week on “Amtower Off Center”, host Mark Amtower interviews Larry Allen and Nick Wakeman on issues facing contractors at the beginning of FY 2018.
Source: A look ahead at contracting in FY 2018 – FederalNewsRadio.com
During the GCN Dig IT gala Thursday night, Washington Technology had the opportunity to recognize the 22 finalists of its WT Industry Innovator awards program.
We also announced five companies that won special recognition in four innovation categories.
This year’s winners are:
- Accenture – Best Use of Acquisitions
- Octo Consulting – Best Use of Corporate Restructuring
- Unisys Federal – Best Use of Corporate Restructuring
- CACI International — Best Use of Strategic Hiring
- CSRA – Best Use of Technology Alliances
Source: Who are the most innovative companies in the federal market? — Washington Technology
