VA Cancels 585 Contracts: Lessons for Surviving Federal Budget Cuts
In March 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) made headlines by canceling 585 federal contracts, a move that has triggered concern across the government contracting community. For contractors doing business with federal agencies, especially those working under VA or GSA contracts, this decision raises serious questions about contract stability, compliance, and how to adapt in the face […]
Say Goodbye to the $15 Minimum Wage on Federal Contracts: What Happens Now?
On April 23, 2025, the Biden-era Executive Order 14026, which raised the federal contractor minimum wage to $15 per hour, was officially rescinded through a new order issued under the Trump administration. As of July 1, 2025, agencies are no longer required to include the $15 wage requirement in new solicitations or renewals. This reversal has far-reaching implications […]
A new opportunity to solve government effectiveness problems
[ad_1] Terry Gerton I know IBM has long been a sponsor of research that offers practical solutions for government problems. You’ve got a new call for research proposals that’s out for 2025-2026. Tell us about that. What are the main objectives of the research for this cycle? Dan Chenok The IBM Center for the […]
A deep dive into government contracting
[ad_1] This week on Amtower Off Center, Kevin Plexico, SVP of Deltek, joins host Mark Amtower for a deep discussion on the current state of government contracting. Kevin Plexico, SVP, Information Solutions, Deltek Topics include: YTD contract activity vs FY 24, and how it has impacted spending The impact on SIs, VARs, small contractors and […]
Air Force meets reduced recruiting target months ahead of schedule
[ad_1] The Department of the Air Force met its fiscal 2025 recruiting targets several months ahead of schedule — after lowering its goal by 3,000 recruits due to budget constraints under a continuing resolution. Last September, the Air Force set an ambitious goal of bringing in 32,500 active-duty Airmen for fiscal 2025. But after Congress […]
Navigating the new era of federal acquisition: Insights from Vertosoft’s CEO
[ad_1] The federal government’s approach to acquisition is changing, driven by a push for consolidation, increased efficiency and greater accessibility for a broader range of vendors. Some of these changes are entirely new and others are reminiscent of past policies, but all are reshaping how agencies procure technology and services. Jay Colavita, CEO of Vertosoft, […]
Trump’s probationary period reforms cemented in OPM final rule
[ad_1] Trump’s probationary period reforms cemented in OPM final rule With OPM’s final rule, agencies can decide fire feds in their probationary period based broadly on agency needs, interests and “organizational goals.” Drew Friedman@dfriedmanWFED June 27, 2025 6:53 pm 4 min read Agencies officially have more leeway to fire federal employees in their probationary period, […]
New legal questions arise over ‘interested party’ status in bid protests
[ad_1] Terry Gerton: You’ve got a really interesting case for us this week that comes from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Tell us about Percipient. Dan Ramish: So, Terry, part of the proceeding that’s happening right now is an en banc rehearing in a bid protest case. This is a very […]
Some practical suggestions for those looking to make government more efficient
[ad_1] Terry Gerton Lots of government reformers want to make government run more like a business, but there are important reasons for the differences and important considerations when tackling the government efficiency conundrum. When we hear people coming in to reform government, they often start from a premise that the federal government should operate more […]
Why Federal Agencies Are Freezing New Contracts and What You Can Do About It
If your company depends on federal work, you’ve likely felt it already. Federal agencies are freezing new contracts, delaying awards, and quietly shifting procurement schedules. The slowdown is real, and it’s affecting businesses across nearly every sector. So what’s behind the current federal procurement slowdown, and more importantly—what can you do about it? What’s Causing the Federal […]