GSA’s Next Generation of Alliant is Here; 61 Companies Awarded Spots on “Best-in-Class” Alliant 2 Governmentwide Acquisition Contract for IT services
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the award of its $50 billion Alliant 2 (A2) Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). The A2 GWAC is a Multiple Award, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide customized Information Technology (IT) services and IT services-based solutions to the government. A2 provides federal agencies with access to 61 companies providing integrated information technology (IT) solutions for evolving needs on a global basis.
SOURCE: GSA’s Next Generation of Alliant is Here; 61 Companies Awarded Spots on “Best-in-Class” Alliant 2 Governmentwide Acquisition Contract for IT services
What the government’s latest report card really means
If the federal government were our 8th grade son or daughter, their cell phone would probably be taken away for the rest of the school year.
Source: What the government’s latest report card really means
New Predictions, Vendor and Market Guides
Tech Go-to-Market Predictions, ABM Vendor Guide, DCMS Market Guide
A Few Contractors May Have to Reimburse DoD for Bid Protest Costs if Protest Denied
Here’s an update to a post from last July where we wrote that the Senate version of the 2018 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) would require large defense contractors to reimburse the Defense Department for failed bid protests (see Large Contractors May Need to Reimburse the Defense Department for the Cost of Bid Protests). That provision has been greatly watered down in the newest version of the NDAA.
SOURCE: A Few Contractors May Have to Reimburse DoD for Bid Protest Costs if Protest Denied
Why is there so much customized software in the federal government? — FCW
Former federal CIO Tony Scott explains why agencies must kick their addiction to custom code.
Source: Why is there so much customized software in the federal government? — FCW
GSA makes 61 awards on $50B Alliant 2 vehicle — Washington Technology
GSA makes dozens of awards on its much-anticipated potential $50 billion Alliant 2 IT and professional services contract vehicle.
Source: GSA makes 61 awards on $50B Alliant 2 vehicle — Washington Technology
Law Allowing Contractors to Procure Their Own Incurred Cost Audits Rescinded
Sec 804 of the 2018 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) repeals a provision that became law under the 2017 NDAA. 10 USC 190 was a new section that requires the creation of a Defense Cost Accounting Standards Board (DCASB). But appended to DCASB coverage was a new requirement that concerned the use of commercial auditors to perform audits of Defense contractors. Specifically, section (f) reads (paraphrased):
SOURCE: Law Allowing Contractors to Procure Their Own Incurred Cost Audits Rescinded
30 Must-Read State and Local IT Blogs 2017
Our annual list of the most useful blogs offering analysis, commentary and insights for public sector IT leaders at the local level.
Customer relationships drive success in uncertain civilian market — Washington Technology
ImmixGroup analysts see plenty of uncertainty and challenges in today’s civilian market but close customer relationships will drive success when opportunities do arise.
Source: Customer relationships drive success in uncertain civilian market — Washington Technology
DCAA Must Report to Congress on the Education, Qualifications, and Certifications of its Staff
Of all the things that DCAA (Defense Contract Audit Agency) can be criticized for, the educational qualifications of its staff is not one. Virtually all auditors have Bachelor’s Degrees and a 40 percent of them have advanced degrees. On top of that, a quarter of them (more than 25 percent) are CPAs (Certified Public Accountants). The Agency actively encourages its auditors to pursue advance degrees and CPA status. The Agency has a robust training program as well. In their first year, auditors can expect four or more weeks of intensive training and because the Agency is engaged in Yellow Book audits (i.e. GAGAS or Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards), auditors are expected (and required) to meet minimum CPE (Continuing Professional Education) requirements at Government expense. Consider the following table that comes from DCAA’s annual report to Congress.
SOURCE: DCAA Must Report to Congress on the Education, Qualifications, and Certifications of its Staff