March, 2025

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OHA Says: Show me the Money! (in Ostensible Subcontracting Review)

SmallGovCon

Size and status protests, which are reviewed by the SBAs Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA), are far less common than GAO protests which protest an evaluation aspect of a solicitation or award. But when they are used they can be a powerful tool to keep contracting dollars intended for small businesses to stay with small businesses. In the case of Winergy, LLC, OHA takes a look at an award intended for SDVOSBs, to determine if the awardee is in compliance with the ostensible subcontractor rule

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Meeting Agencies’ Supply Chain Sustainability Expectations

FedTech Magazine

Government customers expect the technology resellers they work with to employ certain sustainability practices, such as IT asset disposition, to maintain compliance with environmental, cybersecurity and human rights regulations. IT asset disposition refers to the handling of retired IT equipment, whether its recycled or repurposed for reuse, which extends the life of the hardware.

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Marking 10 years and $120 billion of better public procurement for people

Open Contracting Partnership

10 years ago, we launched the Open Contracting Partnership from a single desk in snowy Washington DC with the grand ambition to transform public procurement, the world’s largest marketplace. We saw a unique opportunity to make government work better, converting taxpayer money fairly and effectively into schools, roads, hospitals and vital services that we all need.

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Ten years later, agencies still making gains on category management

Federal News Network

What: Federal agencies move to best-in-class contracting and category management When: Transforming the Marketplace memo published by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy in December 2014 Why it matters: OFPPs push toward category management turned out not to be just an acquisition policy fad, but one that continues to influence agency procurement decisions to this day.

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How to Create a Blueprint for Fleet Resilience

Speaker: Jeff Dickinson - President and CEO of Railgistixs Transport, Supply Chain and Logistics Thought Leader

Despite the ongoing transformation of the supply chain and logistics landscape, the steadfast importance of carrier safety remains a core principle. From prioritizing preventative maintenance to optimizing fleet utilization, the fundamentals persist. If you’re overlooking and neglecting essential safety precautions today, this could result in expensive repairs and potential safety hazards in the future. 🚧 Join Jeff Dickinson for a conversation on how to mitigate risk, enforce compliance,

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NIST selects backup algorithm for general encryption against quantum cyberattacks

FedScoop

The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced an algorithm that could serve as a second line of defense to ensure encrypted information stays encrypted in the face of an attack from a future quantum computer. The standard, called HQC, is a backup for the main post-quantum cryptography algorithm NIST finalized for general encryption known as Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism, or ML-KEM.

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International Public Procurement Workshop 2025 – South Korea

Public Procurement Intl

From 5-7 March 2025, South Korea’s Public Procurement Service hosted an extraordinary conference featuring centralized purchasing agencies from over half of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member states, from North America, Europe and Asia. The conference presentations , available for download here , addressed next steps for central purchasing bodies, including in sustainability , procurement-for-innovation and artificial intelligence (AI).

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What To Expect From the White House’s AI Action Plan

FedTech Magazine

The White House is gathering industry feedback as it drafts policies aimed at keeping the U.S. at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation. Global competition around AI is intensifying as the technology reshapes industries, meaning the forthcoming AI Action Plan will arrive at a pivotal moment. The Office of Science and Technology Policy issued a request for public comments on an AI Action Plan Feb. 6, and some experts are already calling for voluntary, industry-led technical and safe

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Open Olympics 2026: progress and challenges

Open Contracting Partnership

Many of you will know that weve always been interested in opening up and improving the procurement and contracts that underpin mega-sporting events, which have – all too-often been – vectors for cronyism, corruption or massive mis-spending. Just before the pandemic at the very end of 2019, we had the pleasure of meeting the organizers of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics along with civil society and experts from Milan and Nottingham universities to discuss best practices.

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Senators Introduce Bipartisan SEC Whistleblower Reform Act to Bolster SEC Whistleblower Program

Whistleblower Network News

Today, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Whistleblower Reform Act of 2025 in order to further strengthen the highly successful SEC Whistleblower Program. The bill bolsters the Dodd-Frank Acts anti-retaliation protections and ensures that the agency processes award claims in a more timely manner.

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Energy Department taps Twitter, Google alum as CIO

FedScoop

Ross Graber, a Twitter and Google alum, is now the Department of Energys chief information officer, sources confirmed to FedScoop. Graber comes to government after a long career in the private sector, where his experience includes managing Googles security and privacy technical program for four years and joining Twitter before it became X as an information security manager and then a risk and data analytics senior manager, according to his LinkedIn.

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NIST Selects SandboxAQ’s Algorithm to Protect Global Communications

ExecutiveBiz

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has added an algorithm co-invented by SandboxAQ to its suite of post-quantum cryptographic, or PQC, standards. Hamming Quasi-Cyclic, or HQC, ML-KEM will be used to safeguard the confidentiality of communications across the internet, cellular networks and payment systems, SandboxAQ said Thursday.

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Anduril Wins $642M Navy Contract for Counter-Drone Tech

GovCon Wire

Anduril Industries has won a potential 10-year, $642.2 million contract from the U.S. Navy to install, deliver and sustain Installation-Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or IC-sUAS, at Marine Corps bases worldwide. The Department of Defense said Friday Marine Corps Systems Command launched a competitive procurement process and received 10 offers for the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.

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GDIT Partners with AWS to Drive Digital Modernization in Government

WashngtonExec

Ben Gianni, GDIT General Dynamics Information Technology announced a new strategic collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services to drive digital modernization and advance government missions. GDIT and AWS will partner to develop cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud migration and modernization solutions that help advance digital transformation for defense, intelligence and civilian agencies, the company said.

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GAO: Agency Must Recognize Novation as Part of Pending Offer

SmallGovCon

A recent bid protest decision examines the effect of a novation on a pending procurement. After a complicated procedural history, GAO said that an agency must take into account a corporate transaction and novation, even if the agency wasn’t aware of the novation at time of proposal submission. In DecisionPoint Corporation- f/k/a Emesec Inc. , B-422245.5 (2024), the Air Force sought cyber protection and engineering support under the GSA VETS II contract.

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Hope under construction in Uganda: Cathyline’s story

Open Contracting Partnership

Imagine a world where the trillions of dollars spent on public contracts better serve people and protect our planet. For Cathyline, a mother and small business owner in Buhanda village, Uganda, government decisions are not abstract policies; they are her daily realities. Like billions of others worldwide, her life is deeply shaped by the actions or inactions of her government.

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Hampton Dellinger Drops Lawsuit Over White House Termination

Whistleblower Network News

On Thursday, March 6 th , 2025, Former Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger released a statement announcing his decision to drop his lawsuit over his termination by White House officials. Dellingers concession follows a decision by a federal appeals court Wednesday evening to remove Dellinger from his position as Special Counsel while his lawsuit proceeds through the appeals process to the Supreme Court.

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Databricks Partners With Palantir to Secure AI Workflows

ExecutiveBiz

Databricks, a data, analytics and artificial intelligence company, is integrating its data intelligence platform with the AI ontology system of Palantir Technologies under a strategic partnership between the two companies.

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Lockheed Lands $1.9B Air Force Contract Modification for Long-Range Missiles

GovCon Wire

Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business has secured a potential $1.9 billion modification to a previously awarded contract from the U.S. Air Force for the procurement of advanced, long-range missiles. JASSM, LRASM Contract Modification Details The Department of Defense said Thursday the modification to the firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract covers the production of Joint Air to The post Lockheed Lands $1.9B Air Force Contract Modification for Long-Range Missiles first ap

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AWS’ Renzo Rodriguez Named WashingtonExec Cloud Council Co-Chair

WashngtonExec

Renzo Rodriguez, AWS Generative AI. Quantum computing. Orbital data centers. The technologies shaping the future of government arent theoretical anymore theyre here, and federal agencies need a clear path forward. Enter Renzo Rodriguez, director of federal technology and innovation at Amazon Web Services, and now co-chair of WashingtonExecs Cloud Council for 2025.

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A Roadmap for Terminations for Convenience in the DOGE-Era

Government Contracts Navigator

Elizabeth N. Jochum, Robyn N. Burrows, and Sara N. Gerber The Department of Government Efficiencys (DOGE) scrutiny of federal contracts has resulted in a spike in notices of termination for convenience. Given DOGEs broad mandate to reduce federal spending, we expect a sustained increase in the use of terminations for convenience to end contracts the administration considers … Continue reading "A Roadmap for Terminations for Convenience in the DOGE-Era" The post A Roadmap for Terminations f

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Villa 20 rising: A community shaping its own future in Argentina

Open Contracting Partnership

A home is more than just shelterit is a source of dignity, stability, and connection to the community. In a way, it can become our identity. Yet for decades, the residents of Villa 20, one of Buenos Airess historic informal settlements, lived without official addresses, access to basic public services, or even clean drinking water. Their neighborhood, though full of life, remained almost invisible to the city around them.

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How to Become a Woman Owned Business Certified: A Comprehensive Guide

Select GCR

Looking to get your business certified as woman-owned? This guide will show you how to become a woman owned business certified. Learn the steps, meet the requirements, and boost your businesss credibility and opportunities. Key Takeaways Women-owned business certification enhances access to federal contracts, improves credibility, and facilitates valuable networking opportunities.

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Ad hoc Arbitration in China: Progress and Uncertainty

Kluwer Arbitration

As the revision of the Arbitration Law of the Peoples Republic of China ( PRC Arbitration Law ) progresses, ad hoc arbitration is gaining more attention in China. This Blog has previously discussed whether ad hoc arbitration will truly take root in the country ( see The turn to fact or fiction: ad hoc arbitration in the draft amendment to PRC Arbitration Law ).

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Army Awards 10 Spots on $4.2B Contract for Aerostat Production

GovCon Wire

The U.S. Army has selected 10 companies for a potential 10-year, $4.19 billion contract to produce and supply lighter-than-air systems, tethered platforms and elevated sensors to the service branch. The Department of Defense said Thursday the Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland launched an online solicitation and received 10 bids for the The post Army Awards 10 Spots on $4.2B Contract for Aerostat Production first appeared on GovCon Wire.

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Google Achieves FedRAMP High Authorization for Vertex AI Search, Generative AI

ExecutiveBiz

Google Cloud has achieved Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, or FedRAMP, authorization at the high level for its Vertex AI Search and Generative AI on Vertex AI.

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DOGE staffer violated security policies at Treasury Department, court filing shows

FedScoop

The post DOGE staffer violated security policies at Treasury Department, court filing shows appeared first on FedScoop.

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A future rebuilt in Ukraine: Ruta Kindergarten rises from the ruins of war

Open Contracting Partnership

Ukraine is not alone and they will not be left alone. Arturas arnovskis, o-Create Future of Ukraine Programme Manager, Lithuania For many young children, kindergarten is a place of friendship, laughter, and learninga foundation for their future. But Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine shattered this sense of safety for the children of Radist Kindergarten in Irpin, Kyiv Oblast.

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Anduril Wins $642M Program of Record with Marine Corps for CUAS Systems

WashngtonExec

Anduril has won a $642 million, 10-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity program of record by the U.S. Marine Corps to deliver Installation-Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Andurils I-CsUAS solution uses artificial intelligence and advanced autonomy, giving the Marine Corps the hardware and software capabilities it needs to face evolving aerial threats and protect installations.

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3 months to go until Meet the Buyer National 2025!

Scottish Government Procurement

The countdown to Scotlands largest free procurement event is on. The 16 th annual Meet the Buyer National is set to return to Murrayfield Stadium on Wednesday 4 June 2025, from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Meet the Buyer National is hosted by the Supplier Development Programme and partnered by Scottish Government and Scotland Excel. Why should you attend? This in-person event provides Scottish businesses with an opportunity to connect with public sector buyers and private sector main contractors, to discus

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GSA Releases RFI for Potential $20B CISA IDIQ Contract

GovCon Wire

The General Services Administration has issued a request for information for a potential 10-year, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract vehicle that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency could use to procure cybersecurity platforms and services to meet mission needs. According to a sources sought notice published on Feb.

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Constellis Gains Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

ExecutiveBiz

Non-financial risk management firm Constellis announced that it has received Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, Level 2 from Cyber AB, the Department of Defenses nongovernmental partner in the CMMC program.

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AWS Marketplace assessed ‘Awardable’ for DoD work in the P1 Solutions Marketplace

AWS Public Sector

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is pleased to announce that AWS Marketplace has received Awardable status in the Department of Defense (DoD) Platform One (P1) Solutions Marketplace. This designation enables DoD organizations to readily access and procure solutions through AWS Marketplace using established acquisition pathways. Mission-critical access The P1 Solutions Marketplace is a digital repository of post-competition, five-minute long readily-awardable pitch videos, which address the governments

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Case study: Investigating suspected fraud with opentender.net

Open Contracting Partnership

In a previous post , we looked at Indonesia Corruption Watch s method for monitoring corruption risks in procurement. Now lets work through an example following their six step process. An ICW investigation in 2021 revealed potential fraud risks in the construction of a faith-based community center in the province of South Sulawesi, with a contract value of about US$1 million (Rp. 19 billion). 1.

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The Contents of Arbitration: The International Journal of Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management (Ciarb), Volume 91, Issue 1 (2025)

Kluwer Arbitration

First published in 1915, Arbitration now enters a new era, building on a rich legacy while looking towards the opportunities ahead. The upcoming arrival of Issue 91.1the first issue for 2025marks the first step into a new chapter, with Prof. S.I. Strong taking the helm as the journals new Editor-in-Chief. In her inaugural editorial, Prof. Strong reflects on how the field of international dispute resolution has evolved since her own first exposure to Arbitration and outlines her vision for the jo

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Public procurement during emergencies

How to Crack a Nut

A year ago, I was instructed to work on an expert report for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, which was set up to examine the UKs response to and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and learn lessons for the future. The report Public procurement in emergencies covers the key principles, legal frameworks and relevant guidance with respect to public procurement by the UK government and devolved administrations and how this may be improved in the future.

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Air Force Adds 122 Vendors to $46B EWAAC Vehicle Through 4th On-Ramp

GovCon Wire

The U.S. Air Force has awarded 122 companies positions on the $46 billion Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract, or EWAAC, as part of the fourth on-ramp to the procurement vehicle meant to support the rapid development of novel weapons capabilities. The military branch unveiled the list of additional vendors on the EWAAC vehicle in an award The post Air Force Adds 122 Vendors to $46B EWAAC Vehicle Through 4th On-Ramp first appeared on GovCon Wire.