GovConJudicata Weekly Debrief (4/19–23)

This week's Weekly Debrief covers a bipartisan proposal to create a Technology and Innovation Directorate within NSF, a bipartisan construction procurement caucus, Space Force's plans to fast track consulting services via CSO and to reorganize some offices, the DISA director's "action plan," and commentary on agency IGs.

Capitol Hill

NextGov – Lawmakers Propose More Than $100B for Federal Tech-Driving Investments

• "More than 20 lawmakers from both parties and chambers collectively called for the creation of a Technology and Innovation Directorate within the National Science Foundation—and proposed authorizing $100 billion over five years there to drive research into emerging technologies that could help ensure the U.S. keeps a competitive edge."

GovExec – Bipartisan Lawmakers Launch Caucus to Simplify and Strengthen Federal Construction Procurement

• "A pair of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle launched a construction procurement caucus on Thursday for the 117th Congress to advance “sensible reforms” for federal contractors."

Defense

BGov – DOD to Flex CSO Fast-Track Buying Powers for Consulting Services

• "U.S. Space Force, an arm of the Defense Department, is considering contracting for management consulting services using a novel procurement strategy typically reserved for cutting-edge commercial technologies."

FedNewsNet – Space Force wants to reorganize some offices as it continues setting up

• "As the Space Force continues to mature into its fully-fledged form, the service is considering new options for how it will organize offices under its responsibility. The service, which is less than 18 months old, will soon have three component offices under its purview: Space Operations Command (SpOC), Space Systems Command (SSC) and Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)."

FedScoop – New DISA director to publish ‘action plan’ in coming months

• "With only 50 days on the job, Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner, director of the Defense Information Systems Agency, plans to issue a new action plan on how he will continue digital modernization across the military."

Watchdogs

FedTimes – Agency watchdogs lack protection and resources to fulfill missions

• "The government offices responsible for rooting out waste, fraud and abuse at federal agencies and for leading investigations based on whistleblower complaints have been operating at a disadvantage on several fronts, according to testimony at an April 20 House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing."

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