GSA plans to overhaul its purchase card program. The agency released a request for information asking for “new and innovative solutions.”

“A key goal is to improve charge card purchase data collection and evaluation, which will provide customer agencies additional options for safeguarding the government purchasing process, while also providing additional options for buying smarter,” said Neal Fox, GSA Assistant Commissioner for Commercial Acquisition. “The future program will emphasize customer service, using new technology to fulfill unique government purchasing and funds management requirements more effectively and efficiently.”

The current contracts with banks that run the SmartPay program expire in 2008. GSA plans to issue a new RFP next year.

GSA said the SmartPay contractors processed nearly 90 million purchase, travel and fleet transactions last year, worth $24 billion. The program has been widely criticized because of instances of fraud by federal employees, and agencies have taken steps to tighten controls.

The chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee wants to pass legislation allowing association health plans, but he insists the plans should be regulated by the states.

Many small business groups are backing a House-passed bill that would exempt the plans from state regulation.

But Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) said, “State insurance commissions are much closer to the real problems confronted by purchasers of insurance in their communities than would be a federal agency in Washington,” Washington Business Journal reported.

The Defense Department has proposed a new rule to address requirements for preventing unauthorized disclosure of export-controlled information and technology under DOD contracts.

It prescribes a new clause to be used in contracts that may involve the use or generation of export-controlled information or technology. Under the rule, contractors would be required to comply with all applicable laws and regulations; maintain an effective export compliance program; conduct training on export compliance controls; and perform periodic assessments.

The proposed rule is DFARS Case 2004-D010 in the July 12 Federal Register. Comments are due by Sept. 12.

President Bush named the SBA chief of staff, Stephen Galvan, as acting deputy administrator, the agency’s number two job. The previous deputy, Melanie Sabelhaus, resigned.

SBA said Galvan will continue to serve as chief of staff and chief operating officer.