Bloomberg Government predicted spending to be high on vaccines, telework and digital services. https://www.govexec.com/management/2020/12/report-pandemic-likely-dominate-federal-contracting-fiscal-2021/171032/
During the 2020 fiscal year, we received 2,149 cases: 2,052 protests, 56 cost claims, and 41 requests for reconsideration. We closed 2,137 cases during the fiscal year, 2,024 protests, 66 cost claims, and 47 requests for reconsideration. Of the 2,137 cases closed, 417 were attributable to GAO’s bid protest jurisdiction over task orders. Enclosed for your information is a chart comparing bid protest activity for fiscal years 2016-2020. https://www.gao.gov/assets/720/711556.pdf
The Federal Register published the final rule titled “National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)” (32 CFR part 117) today. The rule can be found here. The NISPOM establishes requirements for the protection of classified information disclosed to or developed by contractors, licensees, grantees, or certificate holders to prevent unauthorized disclosure. The rule will become effective February 24, 2021, and authorizes the contractor no more than 6 months to comply with changes from the effective date of the rule.
NIST Seeks Comments on Four Draft Documents Offering Guidance on IoT Device Cybersecurity: Establishing IoT Device Cybersecurity Requirements – Published: Dec 2020 – Comments Due: Feb 12, 2021 Email Comments to: iotsecurity@nist.govhttps://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-213/draft @NISTcyber @ab_cmmc
December 15, 2020 | Tiffany Hixson, Assistant Commissioner, GSA Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories
FAS supports billions in services spend annually and we recognize the needs of our federal customers have become increasingly complex. To better meet these needs, the Services Marketplace initiative will focus on achieving three goals:
Learn more are https://www.gsa.gov/blog/2020/12/15/oasis-on-ramps-are-complete-whats-next
In future wars, AI, networks, and analytics won’t just help target precision weapons: they can also liberate combat units from long and vulnerable supply lines. But to make that work, AMC commander Gen. Ed Daly told us, frontline troops need a constant flow of data. https://breakingdefense.com/2020/12/bullets-beans-data-the-new-army-materiel-command-exclusive/
GAO-21-171: Published: Dec 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 15, 2020.
Federal agencies rely on information and communications technology products and services to carry out their operations. The global supply chain for this technology faces threats, including from intelligence services and others who may seek to steal intellectual property, compromise integrity of the systems, and more. GAO identified 7 practices for providing an agency-wide approach to managing these supply chain risks. For example, agencies should develop a process for reviewing potential suppliers. https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-21-171
Following the same trajectory as a number of the General Services Administration’s acquisition tools and websites this year, the Federal Service Desk—the go-to help desk for all of the agency’s procurement tools and services—got a new look and stronger security measures. This week, FSD.gov got a makeover, with a new skin and some new functionalities. https://www.nextgov.com/it-modernization/2020/12/gsa-relaunches-federal-service-desk-new-look-and-added-security/170668/
CSIS Briefs – December 8, 2020 As the DoD and congressional leadership have sought ways to maintain continued U.S. technological superiority against global competitors like China and Russia, OTA agreements have become an increasingly popular tool. Between FY 2015 and FY 2019, DoD OTA obligations increased from $0.7 billion to $7.4 billion, a 712 percent increase. https://www.csis.org/analysis/department-defense-other-transaction-authority-trends-new-rd-funding-paradigm
