After Columbia: NASA and its Contractors Under Microscope
The investigation of the Columbia tragedy will bring new scrutiny to NASA’s principal shuttle contractors, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and their 100-plus subcontractors.

Strealined Procurement Set for Homeland Security; Ridge Begins Restructuring
Federal regulators have published an interim rule simplifying the procurement of products and services necessary to combat terrorism or provide for homeland security.

Small Boost for SBA Budget
The Small Business Administration would get a 2.4% increase in discretionary budget authority, to $798 million, under President Bush’s fiscal 2004 budget proposal released Feb. 3.

Competitive Sourcing Timetable May Be Relaxed in Final Rule
In the face of a chorus of complaints from federal agencies, the Office of Management and Budget is softening its proposed 12-month deadline for completing most outsourcing competitions.

GAO Calls for Action to Increase Competition
The General Accounting Office is pushing for action to increase competition in information technology purchases through GSA Schedules, an issue it first raised more than two years ago.

Small Firms Connect with GSA Connections Contract
The General Services Administration has awarded 17 contracts under the Federal Technology Service’s Connections program, with small businesses getting more than half of them.

Women Impacting Public Policy Sets Training
Women Impacting Public Policy has declared federal contracting its number one priority and plans training and mentoring sessions to teach women entrepreneurs how to compete for the government’s business.