It’s difficult to keep track of all of the news published that impacts the public sector market every day. That’s why the Public Spend Forum Newswire captures and synthesizes the new policies, regulations, thought leadership and legislation that is changing and influencing your job. Here are a few highlights from today’s Newswire. Subscribe today to receive all of the stories from this edition.
PSC Calls for End to Continuing Resolutions
The Professional Services Council (PSC) wrote to leadership in both houses of Congress and their appropriations committees to urge against passing another continuing resolution (CR), and instead to pass a full-year appropriations bill for fiscal 2017 before adjourning. “CRs create deep uncertainty rather than stable, predictable requirements and resources,” wrote the trade association. “In addition, a CR fails to match funds with requirements across the government and especially in the Defense Department. By maintaining the status quo, a CR wastes money and stifles innovation at a time when agencies need access to such innovation more than ever.” PSC also asked that Congress pass the Modernizing Government Technology Act of 2016.
Boeing Makes “Military Contractor Defense” in Ongoing Liability Suit
A longstanding case against Boeing is going back to federal court, after the company made the case that it was acting “under federal control” as a federal contractor. The case claims Boeing failed to warn of the dangers of asbestos when it was producing military aircraft under a federal contract. The “military contractor defense” would allow Boeing to avoid liability if it could prove it was working at the direction of a federal officer.
Companies Pay $125 Million to Settle FCA Violation Allegations and Lobbying Allegations
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced just before the holiday that Bechtel Corp., URS Corp. and URS Energy and Construction, Inc. have agreed to pay $125 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act. The DOJ alleged the companies charged the Department of Energy (DOE) for “deficient nuclear quality materials, services, and testing.” The complaint also alleged the companies improperly used federal contract funds to pay for a comprehensive, multi-year lobbying campaign of Congress and other federal officials.
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