The Navy is looking to invest in small technology firms in the Washington, DC, area, Washington Business Journal reported.

The Office of Naval Research would provide research funding and access to technologies developed by the Navy. Funding could range from $100,000 to several million dollars.

The Navy also is working with the Women’s High Technology Coalition, a trade group, in Washington and Silicon Valley, the newspaper said.

Democratic members of the House Small Business Committee branded President Bush’s small business agenda a failure, saying the administration has failed to follow up on the promises the president made nearly 18 months ago.

In March 2002, the president outlined a wide-ranging agenda, including tax and regulatory relief and action to combat contract bundling.

But the Democrats said the result has been only rhetoric. “There is a large credibility gap between the rhetoric of this administration and the actions of it,” said New York Rep. Nydia Velazquez, the committee’s ranking Democrat.

She pointed out that the Republican-controlled Congress has yet to pass legislation authorizing association health plans and permanently repealing the estate tax.

The Democrats said the administration’s proposed restrictions on contract bundling are “weak and unworkable.” Regulatory changes in bundling rules are expected to be issued by fall.

The Defense Department will require contractors to provide unique identification (UID) for most products purchased after Jan. 1.

Guidance for implementing the plan was distributed July 29 by Michael Wynn, acting undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics. Additional information is available at www.acq.asd.mil/uid.

The General Services Administration is drafting regulations to integrate security into information technology purchases, Government Computer News reported.

The rule will require contractors to provide security plans and will mandate security training for contractor employees.

Part 12 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation should “seldom, if ever” be used for construction contracts, OMB says.

In guidance issued to contracting officers, Angela Styles, administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, said construction contracts should be awarded under Part 36 of the FAR, which is specifically designed for that purpose.

The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to close seven hospitals as part of a restructuring of its health care system.

In an announcement Aug.4, VA identified hospitals targeted for shutdown in Canandaigua, NY; Pittsburgh (Highland Drive); Lexington, KY (Leestown); Brecksville, OH; Gulfport, MS; Livermore, CA; and Waco, TX. Two new hospitals are planned in Las Vegas and Orlando and several other treatment centers would be opened.

Some members of Congress have said they will fight the closures.