Beware the tyranny of one-size fits all
Washington Technology
Every time a new policy proposal, strategy or idea comes down the pike, no matter how appealing, we have to remind ourselves that few ideas are…
We Talk Tech, But We Really Need to Talk People
Government Executive
September—the month that brings us both Labor Day and the Service to America Medals honoring outstanding public servants—is a good time to talk about…
The Not So Fair “Fair Pay” Rule
Washington Technology
“At last, the government has devised a means to better protect American workers and ensure that companies obey the law.” So writes the Editorial Board of the…
The challenge of past and future performance
Washington Technology
A new inspector general report has taken the Army to task for its poor, well, performance on past performance reporting. The IG looked at past performance…
The Bipartisan Forces that Could Stifle Government Innovation
Government Executive
In his excellent book, Delivering on Digital (Rosetta Books, 2016), William Eggers presents a compelling case for the many ways in which the government’s ability…
This Is No Way to Fix Defense Acquisition
Government Executive
As recently reported by Charlie Clark and others, the administration is threatening to veto the Senate Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2017 defense authorization bill.
Doth thou protest too much?
Washington Technology
Has the use of protests on federal procurements become so egregious that it’s time for some serious action? The Senate Armed Services Committee seems to think so. The committee is proposing…
Too soon to say good-bye to LPTA?
Washington Technology
Few issues have so galvanized the private sector in recent years as the government’s overuse of what is known as “lowest price/technically acceptable” acquisition strategies, or LPTA.
The Pentagon Is Dodging the Real Issue on Innovation
Government Executive
The Defense Department is asking Congress for special authority to buy products and services from “innovative” businesses that have done little or no business with…
Pricing roulette: Challenges vary agency to agency
Washington Technology
Earlier this month, a group of colleagues and I had the pleasure of participating in the Partnership for Public Service’s annual “Shark Tank” exercise for their acquisition leadership program…