Contracting
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Amtower interviews David Powell, COO of the Federal Business Council. Aug. 30, 2010
September 08, 2010 -
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According to lawmaker Lin Yu fang, Taiwan plans to deploy its own cruise missiles by the end of this year. Lin said Taiwan started producing the new missiles after acquiring key components needed for assembly. The new missiles have a range of 800 kilometers, capable of reaching Shanghai, Hong Kong and coastal cities in between. In 2008, Taiwan ordered production of 300 missiles as a partial counter to 1,300 ballistic missiles China placed opposite Taiwan\'s coastline. Neither country has a proven, reliable defense against each other\'s missiles. The Chinese ballistic missiles can saturate Taiwan\'s limited air defense capability, while Taiwan\'s cruise missiles can penetrate China\'s air defense systems.
September 08, 2010 -
After 19 years, India has once again leased a nuclear-powered attack submarine from Russia. The Nerpa, which NATO classifies as an Akula II attack submarine, departed Russian waters on August 20th bound for India. Once the boat arrives, it will be rechristened INS Chakra and begin sea trials. The ten year lease provides time for India to exploit the Akula II for crew training and guidance in constructing its own nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. A squadron of three is planned. The Akula II - and India\'s conventionally powered submarines -- can launch torpedoes and cruise missiles. India has purchased some of the most advanced underwater-launched cruise missiles in existence.
September 07, 2010 -
The FCC, GSA and the Smithsonian were among the best agencies to work for in the latest survey and officials point to a few specific reasons for their success. Agencies must make their employees feel like they are part of the answer to meeting their mission, agency officials say.
September 07, 2010 -
Jason Miller and Mark Amtower count down the top three most important Federal news stories of the week.
September 03, 2010 -
The General Services Administration is suspending new companies from offering office supplies through Schedule 75 for two years.
September 03, 2010 -
When NASA scientists were stymied last year in trying to devise a formula for predicting solar flares, they took an unusual approach: They posted their problem online, and offered a prize to anyone who could solve it. One requirement: the person with the winning solution would have to fork over exclusive rights to the idea - in exchange for a $30,000 prize. 579 people considered the challenge, while only five submitted entries. The winner was a retired radio frequency engineer from New Hampshire who offered an algorithm that may be a first step in helping NASA predict when solar particles might endanger astronauts or spacecraft. Top officials within the General Services Administration and the Office of Management and Budget have called the contest the beginning of a huge movement. Now, the website challenge-dot-gov allows agencies to post challenges, create blogs and discussions, and reward winners with an array of incentives.
September 03, 2010 -
The Air Force Services Agency wants to acquire Golf Enterprise Solution software. We learn how and why from Transformation Director Elinor Gonzales.
September 03, 2010 -
Army moves on plan to build next combat vehicle, Air Force Tees Up Golf Course Software
September 03, 2010 -
GSA has issued per diem rates for lodging for next year. Most hotels in major cities saw a decrease, including $15 for Washington, $71 in New York City and $45 in Chicago. GSA did not change the rates for meals and other incidentals.
September 03, 2010 -
Woody Talcove, CEO of government business for LexisNexis, details the benefits of using public records to meet your agency\'s mission.
September 02, 2010 -
Troops\' pay unaffected by Operation New Dawn
September 02, 2010 -
OMB finds that most website and call center operations are separate and don\'t work well together. Some agencies are following the private sector\'s lead by offering multiple channels to serve citizens. CMS and GSA both use online tools to answer questions more quickly and reliably.
September 02, 2010 -
By 2018, the FAA expects NextGen to reduce flight delays by 21 percent, provide $22 billion in benefits to the traveling public, and save 1.4 billion gallons of fuel. We get an update on the program from the FAA\'s Vicki Fox.
September 01, 2010