Contracts/Awards

• Senate report: U.S. contractor money aids enemy in Afghanistan

  A Senate Armed Services Committee report found the army of private contractors working for the U.S. in Afghanistan threatens the safety of American troops.

  Defense

  October 08, 2010
• Senate report slams Afghan security contractors

  Heavy U.S. reliance on private security in Afghanistan has helped to line the pockets of the Taliban because contractors often don\'t vet local recruits and wind up hiring warlords and thugs.

  Federal Drive

  October 08, 2010
• North and South Korea to Resume Family Reunions

  After weeks of deadlock, delegates from North and South Korea agreed to resume reunions of families separated by the Korean War. Reunions are anticipated to be held from October 30th through November 5th at the Mount Kumgang joint mountain resort area in North Korea. When two states agree about an issue, but have trouble reaching a final agreement, experience and good judgment commend that you track the money. Mount Kumgang is operated by South Korea, but at a profit for North Korea. South Korea caved to North Korean demands because the social pressure for resuming reunions in South Korea is irresistible; more powerful than all other considerations, including more cash to the North.

  Management

  October 07, 2010
• SBA mum on GTSI alleged accomplices

  Washington Technology reports that SBA is not offering information about whether or not suspensions are in store for the small businesses working with GTSI Corp.

  Management

  October 07, 2010
• GAO denies KC-X protest

  The protest by U.S. Aerospace and its partner, Ukrainian aircraft-maker Antonov has been denied.

  Federal Drive

  October 07, 2010
• Ecuador President Accuses Police of Coup Attempt

  Military vehicles patrolled the streets of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, over the weekend, but there have been no further protests since last week when army commandos rescued US-educated President Correa. Correa has embellished his rescue by accusing the police of attempting a coup. Correa is milking the crisis as a victim; he was in danger from an escalating street encounter that he provoked, which got out of control. The police had guns, a complaint about pay cuts, mobility, and an opportunity, but they had no plan - otherwise Correa would be dead. The police had Quito in their grasp, but no one took charge of the mutiny to convert it into a coup. There was no coup attempt.

  Management

  October 06, 2010
• The future of GTSI

  GTSI said it will fight its suspension by SBA, but it face an uphill battle, Government Technology reports.

  Management

  October 06, 2010
• Examination of the federal furniture market

  Who are the key players making decisions on furniture acquisitions? This week, Jean Reynolds, Vice President of Strategic Development-Government for the HON Company joins Larry Allen on Off the Shelf. October 5, 2010 (Encore presentation October 12, 2010)

  Off the Shelf

  October 06, 2010
• Lockheed’s F-35 progress tracker decertified

  The Pentagon suspended its certification of Lockheed\'s system for tracking the progress on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the F-16 Fighting Falcon programs today, underscoring DoD\'s tough talk about running weapon buys as efficiently as possible.

  Federal Drive

  October 06, 2010
• GTSI gives ‘going concern’ warning because of SBA suspension

  Washington Business Journal reports GTSI\'s concerns over its SBA suspension from new government contracts.

  Management

  October 05, 2010
• CSC buys cybersecurity firm

  The Washington Business Journal reports that VRL is a privately-held cyber threat intelligence company. It will become part of CSC\'s global cybersecurity business.

  Federal Drive

  October 05, 2010
• North Korea Cites US Threat as Reason to Expand Nuclear Arsenal

  At the United Nations last week, Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil Yon said that North Korea would continue to expand its nuclear arsenal in order to deter what it perceives as American and South Korean aggression in the region. He said North Korea has vowed to strengthen its nuclear arsenal because of the threat from the United States, and that as long as U.S. nuclear aircraft carriers sail around North Korea, the country\'s nuclear deterrent should not be abandoned but strengthened further. Pak\'s statement is somewhat discordant compared to recent North Korean behavior that promotes an international environment of reduced tension while leadership issues are deliberated in Pyongyang.

  Management

  October 05, 2010
• GTSI suspended from acquiring new business

  Learn more about the SBA\'s action against the government contractor

  Technology

  October 04, 2010
• What is the U.S. Cyber Challenge?

  Host Mark Amtower interviews Karen Evans, Director, U.S. Cyber Challenge, on cybersecurity issues. October 4, 2010

  Amtower Off-Center

  October 04, 2010