Industry Opposes Restricting Commercial-Item Sales
A coalition of leading contractor groups urged the Acquisition Advisory Panel to reject recommendations that would restrict the use of simplified commercial-item rules in federal procurement.

Budget Battle Begins: President Proposes Cuts in Domestic Spending
President Bush’s proposed 2007 budget would cut spending by most federal departments except Defense and Homeland Security.

Proposed 2007 Budget: Changes From 2006
Department-by-department Gains/Losses

Proposed SBA Budget Inadequate, Democrats Say
President Bush’s 2007 budget proposal would provide $624 million for the Small Business Administration, 5% higher than his request a year ago, but Democrats in Congress said all of the increase would go to disaster loans while cutting funding for many programs.

Senators Seek Answers on eOffer Security
Leaders of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee have asked GSA to explain a security flaw that forced the temporary shutdown of its eOffer online bidding site.

Matchmaking Sessions Are Set
SBA has announced four regional Business Matchmaking events this year and has launched a package of online matchmaking tools.

Certification Urged For Acquisition Workforce
The Office of Management and Budget is pushing a new certification program for acquisition personnel in civilian agencies in an effort to upgrade their skills make it easier for them to move from one job to another.

Energy Dept. Contractors Get New Safety Rules
The Energy Department has issued a final rule aimed at improving worker safety at its facilities. The rule establishes monetary fines for contractors who fail to abide by new department-wide safety standards.