Contract reviews continue at OMB, official says

The Office of Management and Budget is engaged in and leading a review of IT contracts across the government, Eric Ueland, deputy director for management at OMB, told attendees at a Nextgov/FCW event Wednesday, saying that the government needs to look forward to what’s coming next.

OMB is working with Greg Barbaccia, the federal chief information officer, on this review, he said.

The Trump administration started reviewing and culling contracts early last year as part of its effort to cut what it deemed wasteful government spending.

By the 100th day of the administration, the General Services Administration was touting the cancellation of 9,400 contracts. GSA also told agencies to scrutinize contracts with top consultants. Another focus has been on cancelling contracts related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The administration has also zeroed in on resellers and 8(a) companies. 

Culling contracts was a major strategy for the Department of Government Efficiency, although it at times exaggerated the value and savings of contracts it cancelled.

Like Barbaccia has done himself, Ueland also emphasized that the administration wants to focus on commodity IT. 

“Build bespoke is no more,” he said. 

The administration’s work overhauling the government’s main procurement regulations also got a shoutout, and Ueland emphasized the administration’s intention to empower chief information officers. 

“What we want to do is make sure that CIOs are fully empowered to be there at the beginning of conversations, that they are part of the formulation of budget and policy from liftoff,” he said.