The new procurement policy chief says the Obama administration’s goal is to “rebalance” the relationship between government and contractors. In an interview with the newspaper Federal Times, Dan Gordon said insourcing and greater oversight of contractors are key to the administration strategy.

“Contractors are incredibly helpful to the government, but there is widespread concern that we’re overly reliant on contractors,” he told the newspaper. But he insisted the administration is not pushing insourcing in all areas: “We don’t want there to be undue pressure one way or the other. … We want decisions to be based on the public interest.”

Federal foodservice contractors will have to lose the fat. GSA has issued new nutritional guidelines for future foodservice contracts.

The new wellness factors and nutritional requirements include the use of healthy cooking techniques to minimize trans fatty acids and added salt; menu variety to address special dietary needs; educational programs on such topics as proper portion sizes; use of whole grains and other healthy food items; and use of technology and other services to promote wellness.

Contractors will also be encouraged to use locally and organically produced foods, purchase products made from renewable materials, encourage the use of green cleaning products, and implement recycling and composting programs. 

The first contract incorporating the new requirements was awarded to I.L. Creations of Maryland Inc. The company will provide food service for the State Department’s approximately 6,500 employees and more than 1,000 visitors each day at its Washington headquarters.

The Army is juggling funds to pay its base operations support contractors. A spokesman said about $500 million must be shifted from other budget accounts to cover a shortfall.

The Army said the shortfall results from increased support for troops in Afghanistan, expansion of overall troop strength, and tightened security at installations. Army Secretary John McHugh said, “We will continue to look for efficiencies and best practices, but the bottom line is we will not shortchange our soldiers and their families.”

Martha Johnson took the oath as GSA administrator Feb. 7—by telephone. With Washington buried in snow, the acting GSA administrator, Steve Leeds, called Johnson at her Annapolis, MD, home and swore her in, with her husband standing by as a witness.

Johnson waited nearly 10 months for Senate confirmation. Sen. Kit Bond, R-MO, blocked a vote until Feb. 4 because he wanted GSA to promise to construct a new federal building in his home state.