All Learning Content
5 Steps to Automation for Federal Agencies
Dec 22, 2017
It’s clear that a key aspect of any IT transformation is shifting processes from being done manually to being done automatically. Bob Osborn, federal CTO of ServiceNow, breaks down his five steps federal agencies can take to implement automation. He explains the importance of modernizing IT...
SmallGovCon Week In Review: December 18-22, 2017
Dec 22, 2017
It’s hard to believe it, but Monday is Christmas. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy some time with family and friends this weekend and maybe even get that special gift you’ve been hoping for under your tree. Before we head off into the holiday weekend, we wouldn’t think of leaving you...
El Paso’s Chatbot, Ask Laura, is a Real ‘Game Changer’
Dec 22, 2017
After success with a chatbox tool on the city’s procurement website, El Paso officials are considering how to implement it across other platforms. Ask Laura provides users with a “customer service experience that provides immediate information on topics that include: how to register as a vendor...
FedRAMP Issues Guide for Cloud Adoption
Dec 22, 2017
The FedRAMP office’s Agency Authorization Playbook shares best practices for federal agencies that want to grant a cloud service provider permission to operate and is the summarization of five years of the office’s efforts. The playbook links to a variety of external resources and templates...
Local Governments’ Contribution To The International Anti-Corruption Day 2017
Dec 21, 2017
Different local authorities and mayors all over the world commit to transparency, open governments and accountability to their citizens. Watch the video for International Anti-Corruption Day in the campaign for Commit 2 Transparency http://goo.gl/5R4aaw
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Smart Cities and Communities – Hampered by Public Procurement Rules?
Dec 21, 2017
A contribution on the European Commission’s website on retrofitting public buildings: where public procurement and innovation have to shake hands – is worth a read this week. “The EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive states that ‘EU countries must make energy efficient renovations to at least...
French Court Rules Out Discriminatory Language Rule
Dec 21, 2017
An interesting article on Euractiv about discrimination in French public procurement looks into tendering in the local language, and mandating interpreters for non-French speakers. Published this week it says “The French supreme court has rejected a clause that imposed the use of French on public...
Nonprofits Not Exempt From Affiliation Rules, Says SBA OHA
Dec 21, 2017
A recent SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals decision confirms that there is no exception for nonprofit organizations when it comes to affiliation issues.
In the case, SBA OHA found affiliation between a self-certified small business and a nonprofit organization based on close family members...
GSA, OMB to Host Public Meeting on eProcurement Process Implementation
Dec 20, 2017
The General Services Administration (GSA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will hold a public meeting in Washington, D.C. to discuss a provision in the fiscal 2018 defense policy bill about the use of commercial online platforms for procurement processes. GSA said it also wants the...
GAO Can’t Resolve SDVOSB Eligibility Protests
Dec 20, 2017
The GAO lacks jurisdiction to determine whether an offeror is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business.
In a recent bid protest decision, the GAO rejected the protester’s creative attempt to convince the GAO to take jurisdiction, and confirmed that, for non-VA acquisitions, the SBA has...
GAO Confirms: DoD Task Order Protest Threshold Is $25 Million
Dec 19, 2017
The GAO ordinarily lacks jurisdiction to consider a protest of a task or delivery order under a DoD multiple-award contract unless the value of the order exceeds $25 million.
In a recent bid protest decision, the DoD confirmed that the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act upped the...
A Look at Unlocking Blockchain’s Possibilities
Dec 19, 2017
Blockchain technology, best known for securing cryptocurrency, is continuing to catch the attention of federal agencies. If government can get past the hype and the misconceptions, there are some useful applications. FCW explores how to approach implementing this emerging technology and includes...
