Management
The VA Grand Challenge: Looking for Love in The Wrong Places
To solve a problem as complex and critical as veteran suicide, throw out the procurement playbook.
Oversight
Wedding Planner, Caterer, 'Brand Builder': Trump’s Food Aid Program Is Paying $100+ Million to Unlicensed Dealers
Contractors with no experience in food distribution are looking for suppliers on Facebook while some food banks scramble to find desperately needed deliveries.
Management
Trump Administration Waives Environmental Safeguards to Fast-Track 69 Miles of Border Fence Construction
The White House said in February its goal was to build 450 additional miles of barrier by the end of 2020. The 69 miles would be in addition to a 52-mile project also underway in Webb County.
Oversight
A Trump Official Tried to Fast-Track Funding for His Friend’s Unproven COVID-19 'Treatment,' Whistleblower Says
Whistleblowing virologist Rick Bright says that his Trump-appointed boss tried to fast-track funding for a friend’s coronavirus treatment, and that he was reassigned for insisting that funding be reserved for “safe and scientifically vetted solutions.”
Management
Project Management and COVID-19 Recovery
Lessons from previous disasters offer a guide for government leaders.
Workforce
How Profit and Incompetence Delayed N95 Masks While People Died at the VA
Federal agencies have hired contractors with no experience to find respirators and masks, fueling a black market filled with price gouging and multiple layers of profiteering brokers. One contractor called them “buccaneers and pirates.”
Defense
Lockheed Martin Expects Coronavirus to Delay F-35 Deliveries
Although the company still forecasts an increase in sales, the delays could cost $375 million.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: Despite a Pandemic, Border Wall Construction Continues
Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to explain how President Trump's major project is doing during COVID-19 crisis.
Management
Trump Administration Releases Guidance to Clarify Coronavirus Relief Act’s Contracting Provisions
Agencies can use CARES Act funds to reimburse contractors from March 27 to September 30, 2020.
Defense
The Owner’s Manual for Trump’s New Air Force One Cost $84 Million
The Air Force quietly announced that Boeing’s manuals for Trump’s new $5.3 billion presidential jets are a bit pricier than your average automobile-repair guides.
Defense
Lockheed Adds 1,000 Employees Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Wants to Hire 5,000 More
The defense giant also said it would give bonuses to employees who can’t work from home.
Management
Industry Groups Welcome Stimulus Provisions for Federal Contractors
Agencies may reimburse contractors for paid or sick leave if they can’t telework.
Management
There’s a Playbook for Implementing the CARES Act; Agencies Need to Follow It
We are going to see billions of dollars in new contract spending for both surge and ongoing requirements.
Management
Kushner Firm Built the Coronavirus Website Trump Promised
The extent of Oscar Health’s work on coronavirus testing hasn’t been previously reported.
Management
White House Releases Coronavirus Guidance for Federal Contractors
Directive comes as the Defense Department announced a contractor died over the weekend.
Management
Lead Contractors Association Calls for Leave-Sharing Policy and Telework Guidance
Professional Services Council asks OMB and IRS to provide more direction during coronavirus outbreak.
Defense
F-35 Factories In Italy, Japan Are Reopening After Closing for Coronavirus
An assembly plant in Japan is already open and another in Italy is expected to reopen on Wednesday.
Management
Lead Trade Association Calls for More Guidance for Federal Contractors
The Professional Services Council represents over 400 companies that work with all federal agencies.
Management
U.S., U.K. Agree to ‘Further’ Restrict Huawei, Defense Secretary Says
But it’s not clear whether any actual changes emerged from Thursday’s meeting between the top U.S. and British defense leaders.
Tech