Doan endures political firestorm

With congressional pressure mounting and an ongoing investigation creating a cloud over her leadership, many observers wonder whether General Services Administration Administrator Lurita Doan can survive.

From lawmakers requesting her resignation to the agency’s inspector general releasing another report on her contracting missteps, the controversies are starting to affect employee morale at GSA.

But Doan said the challenges are part of the process of revamping the agency. “Transformational change does not come without a few bumps, and we have made great progress in 10 months,” Doan said in a statement to Federal Computer Week. “I’m no stranger to hardship. I’m doing just fine.”

Industry observers and GSA insiders say that even if the current firestorm abates, Doan will face battle fatigue.

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OFPP: Big programs require more training

Program and project managers assigned to large acquisitions now will have to meet training and experience requirements, according to a memo from the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.

The new rules apply to managers assigned to programs considered major acquisitions, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-11. The rules focus on essential competencies needed for managers, the memo states.

“A strong partnership between program and project managers and contracting professionals requires a common understanding of how to meet the government’s needs,” Paul Denett, OFPP administrator, wrote in the memo.

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IG faults Doan's handling of sole-source deal

GSA Administrator Lurita Doan may have violated federal ethics and procurement regulations by trying to give a friend a $20,000 no-bid contract , according to a March 19 report from General Services Administration's inspector general.

“Doan’s conduct in this matter may indicate possible violations of federal ethics regulations for failing to act impartially and creating the appearance of providing preferential treatment,” the report states. “Her conduct also may indicate possible violations of federal procurement regulations requiring competition in the award of contracts.”

In the end, the $20,000 contract was not awarded and Doan has said that she made a mistake.

Read rest of the story: FCW.com News - IG faults Doan's handling of sole-source deal