Bush Budget Cuts Hit EPA, Agriculture, SBA
President Bush’s 2005 budget proposal would increase funding for defense, homeland security, education and the space program, but many other agencies are targeted for cuts.

Bush Budget Boosts Homeland Security Projects
President Bush’s proposed $40.2 billion budget for the Homeland Security Department represents a 10% increase over this year’s spending and “continues the dramatic growth for agencies that are now a part of DHS,” the department said.

SBA Targeted for Spending Cut
President Bush’s 2005 budget would impose higher fees on the Small Business Administration’s flagship 7(a) loan guarantee program, while cutting the agency’s budget by 10% from the current year and eliminating several smaller loan programs.

GSA Makes Pitch for Advantage, e-Buy
GSA plans upgrades to the GSA Advantage and e-Buy online procurement systems in hopes of attracting more buyers and sellers, said Tina Burnette, deputy assistant commissioner of the Federal Supply Service.

Energy Plans Competition for Lab Contracts
Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham has announced that operating contracts for the department’s four remaining national laboratories will be put up for bids, as required by the 2004 appropriation that was passed by Congress last year.

Withholding for Self-Employed Proposed
IRS Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson urged Congress to withhold income taxes on the earnings of self-employed people, including federal contractors.

FAR Changes Proposed
The FAR Councils are proposing three amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation.