WASHINGTON – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman Wednesday released the following statement on new guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on contracting procedures. The guidance addresses three areas — improving acquisition, managing the multi-sector workforce, and expanding contractor performance information.
“The new guidance issued by OMB today draws welcome attention to the need for robust human capital planning. Contractors can – and should – provide the government with valuable expertise and services, but at the same time we must ensure that each agency has the in-house skills necessary to maintain control of its mission and operations.
“This guidance is only a start. Contracting reform also will require us to address some very long-term systemic issues, such as the need to strengthen the acquisition workforce and develop better processes for defining agency needs before awarding contracts.
“However, I am heartened that this guidance makes clear that improving acquisition practices is a top management priority for the President. I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration on all these issues.”
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