Fred Jones

The sound acquisition policy proposals advanced by the bipartisan Federal Improvement in Technology (FIT) Procurement Act, authored by Senators Gary Peters (D-Michigan) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), will improve government technology acquisition processes today and will help ensure the federal government is well-equipped to leverage private sector innovation for generations to come. Learn why lawmakers should advance this common-sense legislation in my new op-ed in @Federal News Network: https://lnkd.in/gRaAQFEU

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THREE IDEAS THE NEXT ADMINISTRATOR AND COMMISSIONER SHOULD CONSIDER TO IMPROVE GSA’S FEDERAL ACQUISITION SERVICE: With Congress out of town we thought we’d share our ideas now on changes GSA’s next political appointee management team may want to focus on for the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). 1.              Create A True Schedules Management Office: The GSA Schedules program realizes over $40 billion a year in business, yet its operation is so highly decentralized that there is little continuity throughout the program. The current Schedule Program Management Office (PMO) is a step in the right direction but does not have the resources or authority that are actually needed. The Schedules program is simply too important to the efficient running of government to not have an SES-led PMO. Indeed, it is likely that officials in DOD, the largest Schedule customer agency, would be surprised to learn that the program they rely upon doesn’t already have one.     2.              Set a Sunset Date for the Technology Transformation Service (TTS): TTS seemed like a good idea when it was created: a government agency to help others in government to maximize use of new technologies and maybe help develop them. It’s never worked well, though. The well-documented problems with Login.gov are only one example. This relatively small office tied up considerable agency resources to try and straighten the problems out. Worse, in an agency where most operations are supposed to be self-supporting, TTS continues to operate in the red. While TTS may be a pet project for some, it’s tough to justify spending taxpayer dollars on a service few agency customers seem to want. Give TTS 18 months to turn itself around or let it sunset. 3.              Understand the Role of the IG and the Role of Operations Offices: It is important to have a professional and well-organized Office of the Inspector General (OIG). OIG offices play an important role in ensuring that government operates properly. That said, GSA and FAS leadership need to understand that it is the role of the OIG to find problems. Some uncovered problems are legitimate. Others, such as the OIG’s opposition to the agency’s legislative request to make a commonsense change to the Competition in Contracting Act, seem more rooted in a fear that their own role will diminish, rather than a legitimate policy disagreement. Similarly, the OIG is not, and should not be, a de facto co-program manager. GSA and FAS management should remember that the OIG’s goal is to second guess the decisions they make. Looked at through that lens, the agency could really implement innovative acquisition ideas, saving time and money. We certainly have additional ideas on GSA and the Federal Acquisition Service. We’d like your feedback, though. Send us a not-for-attribution email at [email protected].

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Independent R&B Discussion Group on July 8, 2024 We had a productive discussion on recent developments in social security and insights into the new ministers and their potential policy directions. Led by Malcolm Gardner, the meeting featured valuable contributions from participants, notably Alex Clegg from the Resolution Foundation, who presented an insightful report on social security trends and challenges. Key Discussion Points: Upcoming CIPFA Conference: Malcolm Gardner reminded everyone about the CIPFA Annual Conference in Manchester on July 10 & 11. Members and their Chief Officers are invited to visit our collaborative stand with Ascendant Solutions and Inbestai at stand 7. Social Security Report by Alex Clegg: Alex Clegg's analysis, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, highlighted: Expenditure Trends: A slight increase in social security spending since 2007, driven by state pensions and health-related benefits. Major Changes: Introduction of Universal Credit. Changes in benefit uprating policies. Impact of Universal Credit on claimant interaction and conditionality rules. Devolution and localization affecting local authorities. Impact on Demographics: Working Age Households: Significant income decreases due to policy changes. Pension Age Households: Stable incomes, with some increases from policies like the triple lock on pensions. Future Challenges: Rising social security costs, especially in state pensions and health-related benefits. Housing and Local Authority Pressures: Increased spending on housing benefit subsidies. Concerns about unfunded mandates and finding cost-effective solutions to support vulnerable households. Introduction of New Government Ministers: Liz Kendall: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Angela Rayner: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Shabana Mahmood: Justice Department. Rachel Reeves: Chancellor of the Exchequer. Strategic and Political Implications: Sustainability and effectiveness of proposed reforms and spending cuts. Long-term impact on social security and local government finances. Need for holistic approaches to address rising health-related benefit costs. Closing Remarks: Malcolm Gardner thanked all participants, with special recognition for Alex Clegg’s comprehensive report presentation. The meeting highlighted the complexity of tax and social security issues and the crucial role of government policies in shaping future outcomes, especially in light of new ministerial appointments and fiscal strategies. Access the recording: Meeting Recording https://bit.ly/VNR240708 Download slide pack, files, and reports: Resources https://bit.ly/VNP240708 NB: that the handout contains additional slides covering other items of interest in the news and job adverts, which are provided in partnership with Business Smart Solutions. #SocialSecurity #PolicyDiscussion #CIPFAConference #GovernmentPolicy #PublicFinance #LocalAuthorities #SocialWelfare #FutureChallenges #IndependentRBDG

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