The May 22nd GSA Business Roundtable is a Myth-Busters event bringing together procurement professionals and senior executives from GSA and its industry partners for a dialogue focusing on Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini’s new mission statement and six priorities.  The mission statement and priorities can be found here.  And as noted in last week’s blog post, the homework assignment [...]

“The mission of GSA is to deliver the best value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to government and the American people.”   In executing its mission GSA has identified six priorities: Delivering Better Value and Savings Serving our Partners Expanding Opportunities for Small Business Making a More Sustainable Government Leading with Innovation Building a [...]

Thought No. 10: Myth-Busters – Continuing the Dialogue is More than Checking the Box! Given the current budgetary challenges we face, continuing the dialogue among all stakeholders on key acquisition policies, procedures and programs is vital to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement system.  Over the last decade we have seen the growing unease [...]

This week’s blog post returns to the Thirteen Thoughts for 2013 addressing “Thought No 7: From Strategic Sourcing to Strategic Acquisition.”  With the ongoing budgetary challenges (sequestration) facing the federal enterprise, strategic acquisition represents an opportunity to do more with less.  The goals of strategic acquisition boil down to effectively managing “total acquisition cost” (TAC)  and achieving best value outcomes that [...]

As you know, The Coalition for Government Procurement held its 2013 Spring Training Conference, “Continuing the Dialogue, Strategic Acquisition: An Opportunity for Federal Efficiency and Commercial Business” this week.  I have been gratified by the positive feedback we have received from attendees regarding the quality of the event.  The positive and informative conversations among the procurement community [...]

Next Wednesday, April 17th the Coalition will hold its 2013 Spring Conference, “Continuing the Dialogue: Strategic Acquisition, An Opportunity for Federal Efficiency and Commercial Business.” The conference agenda is comprehensive.  Attendees will hear from leaders across government regarding the latest strategic sourcing initiatives, procurement policy and modernization of the multiple award schedules program.  Confirmed government speakers include: Shay Assad, Director [...]

This week’s blog post highlights Thought No. 8 of the Thirteen Thoughts for 2013:  “GSA’s 2012 waiver of the Price Reduction Clause—a statement in favor of competition!”  Last fall, the application of the Price Reduction Clause (PRC) was waived for the purposes of the Air Force’s Enterprise Sourcing Group’s open market solicitation, FA8057-12-R-0001, seeking to establish multiple award [...]

It is Spring Break this week and we are in Ohio to visit family.  It may not sound exotic or “Spring Break-like” but it has been lots of fun.  We visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton— where former GSA Administrator Steven Perry is the President.  We also visited Cleveland and the Rock [...]

Originally, this blog post was to focus on Thought No.7, “From Strategic Source to Strategic Acquisition,” of the Thirteen Thoughts for 2013.  The theme was to expand on my March 18th Federal Times editorial entitled “A New Framework for Acquiring Professional Services” which outlines the key elements of the strategic acquisition of complex services.  The elements outlined in the editorial are central [...]

Guest Blogger: Carolyn Alston, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, The Coalition for Government Procurement We are all well aware that GSA cancelled GSA Expo, its signature trade show and training event that was scheduled for Orlando Florida in May.   For years, GSA used the show to cost effectively train thousands of federal employees regarding various aspects [...]