Federal Drive

Federal Drive interviews – June 29

A key Census Bureau survey faces the prospect of budget cuts. A contractor association explains why industry depends on this survey. And what happens when ...

Federal News Network Staff

June 29, 2012 9:51 am

2 min read

This is the Federal Drive show blog. Here you can listen to the interviews, find more information about the guests on the show each day and links to additional resources.

Steve Ryan — Partner at McDermott, Will and Emery

The largest federal contractor, Lockheed Martin, has reached an agreement with striking labor unions. About 3,300 members of the International Association of Machinists had walked off the job April 23 at the Fort Worth plant where Lockheed builds the F-35 fighter. The company hired temporary replacement workers. Ryan explains what happens if a major contractor goes on strike and can’t deliver according to contract terms.

Ken Simonson — Chief Economist at the Associated General Contractors of America

A key Census Bureau survey faces the prospect of budget cuts. The American Community Survey collects detailed data about Americans’ economic life, far beyond the 10-year count. The government uses the survey’s data to design myriad programs. Industry depends on it too. And businesses are worried about losing it. Simonson testified recently in defense of the survey.

John Palatiello — President of the Business Coalition for Fair Competition

The government-owned Federal Prison Industries — also known as UNICOR — has employed inmates since the 1930s. They mostly made goods that were used in the prison itself, like furniture. But in recent years, FPI has expanded its product line. Now inmates make military uniforms and even run federal call centers that give prisoners access to the personal information of private citizens. Commercial government contractors are ringing alarms. They say FPI has an unfair advantage. Palatiello testified before the House Committee on Small Business in support of a bill he says would level the playing field.