Wednesday Morning Federal Newscast – Nov. 3rd

The Morning Federal Newscast is a daily compilation of the stories you hear Federal Drive hosts Tom Temin and Amy Morris discuss throughout the show each day. T...

The Morning Federal Newscast is a daily compilation of the stories you hear Federal Drive hosts Tom Temin and Amy Morris discuss throughout the show each day. The Newscast is designed to give FederalNewsRadio.com users more information about the stories you hear on the air.

  • A partial shift in power means committee chairmanships will change in the House but not in the Senate. A variety of issues from the federal budget to telework, and federal pay and regulatory policies will be re-examined. Last night Republicans gained at least 55 seats in the House, giving them a majority. The GOP gained at least six seats in the Senate, but the Democrats retain control there. Headed for a recount is the House race in Virginia’s 11th district. Freshman Democrat Gerry Connolly is only a few hundred votes ahead of challenger Keith Fimian. Also of note, 17-term Democrat Ike Skelton, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, lost his re-election bid.
  • Homeland Security has issued its much-awaited follow-on contract for technology services. EAGLE Two is a five-year contract with one two-year option and a ceiling of $22 billion. It focuses on three functional areas including Service Delivery, IT Program Support Services and Independent Test, Validation, Verification, and Evaluation. DHS is setting aside specific awards for small businesses in all three categories.
  • GSA has taken a step toward promoting government-wide adoption of cloud computing services. The agency has released comprehensive requirements for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, or FedRAMP, for public comment. GSA says FedRAMP will reduce redundant processes across government by providing security authorizations and continuous monitoring of cloud systems. They can then be used by agencies to streamline security. The requirements were crafted in coordination with the Federal Chief Information Officers Council.
  • GSA saw revenue gains in the billions during in 2010. Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Steve Kempf says the FAS brought in $52 billion. That’s about two percent over 2009’s number. Kempf says the schedule contracts accounted for $39 billion and governmentwide acquisition contracts brought in another $3 billion. GSA also says small businesses accounted for about 35 percent of all schedule sales. Within that, women-owned businesses saw an increase of two-and-a-half billion dollars in 2010 over 2009.
  • Get set for a new technology acquisition strategy. The Office of Management and Budget is expected to announce big changes November 19. NextGov reports, CIOs will be required to report over-budget projects to agency leadership and Congress. The changes are similar to those included in a bill that passed the Senate in May. OMB crafted the new policy after meeting with several groups, including the Professional Services Council.
  • You’ve seen what the National Mall looks like. It has been trampled nearly to death. But now, it is about to get a facelift, and you’ll have some say into how it’s done. The National Park Service is asking for comments on the reconstruction of the Mall, especially the grassy areas and drainage. They’re looking for strategies into how to fix the worn turf, alleviate the soil compaction, and enhance drainage, grading and storm water management on the Mall. NPS says you can send in your comments via their Planning, Environment and Public Comment website. They’re accepting input until December third.

More news links

Astronauts cast early ballots from space station

THIS AFTERNOON ON FEDERAL NEWS RADIO

Coming up today on The DorobekInsider:

** E-government. There have been many initiatives by both parties to broaden citizen participation in the policy process. Has it worked? We’ll talk to a professor who has studied that issue.

** And you just voted. Wouldn’t you like to e-vote? DC is working on that — in particular for the District’s military personnel. What are the challenges? We’ll talk to the man who is working in it.

Join Chris from 3 to 7 pm on 1500 AM or

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