Integrity

3 Tools Worth Reading to Spur Innovative Federal IT Acquisition

In this time of tight budgets and potential loss of global technological superiority, the need for innovation is greater than ever.   As Frank Kendall, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics shared with an audience of defense industry leaders recently, “We have to focus more on innovation, and we have to get better capability …

May the Source Be With You!

In a business environment where the government is expected to do more with less, the strategic sourcing process has become a resourceful approach in helping agencies reduce spending and clearly define requirements while also improving mission delivery. Strategic sourcing can be defined as a standard and formal process that incorporates rigorous analytics, tools and techniques …

What Elements of BBP 2.0 are Important to IT Programs and Why?

As we move further into an unprecedented era of tighter budgets and post war downsizing, it makes sense to implement Better Buying Power 2.0, the directive published by Frank Kendall, Undersecretary for Acquisition at the Department of Defense (DoD), in April 2013. Bottom line – if you are a program under Acquisition Technology &Logistics (AT&L), …

Three MORE Things to Consider When Choosing Contract Types

The original implementation of DoD’s “Better Buying Power” initiative heavily promoted the use of Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract types.  Many federal agencies adopted this approach with the intent to control costs and limit the Government’s risk exposure on acquisitions.  This does not remove risk from the acquisition itself, and may not even reduce it.  …

Why Federal Contracting Should Be More Like Made-From-Scratch vs. Store-Bought Cookies

Integrity Management Consulting and GovLoop are proud to present a 12-part series called “Conscientious Contracting: A Thoughtful Approach to Acquisition and Program Management,” that aims to address common challenges and achieve new efficiencies in government procurement.  Integrity Matters will bring you occasional posts written by GovLoop’s Andrew Krzmarzick, featuring the expertise of Integrity subject matter experts. It’s …

The Hidden Costs of Firm-Fixed Price Contracts

As fiscal pressures rise, senior leaders across the federal government place additional emphasis on Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contracts.  A prime example is the Department of Defense “Better Buying Power” memoranda.  FFP contracting is an important method to add simplicity and cost efficiency, but with respect to services, FFP contracting is not always appropriate.  When bound …

2013’s Top Trends in Acquisition and Program Management

  Our Integrity experts each forecast one top trend for 2013. What emerging trends will dominate the next 12 months or more in acquisition and program management? And what should you know right now? Trending Up: Back to the Basics — Choosing the Right Contract Type Last November Mr. Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense …