The Modernization Death Spiral

Federal government IT modernization can be like a disaster movie, it just plays out in slow motion. Once…

What the FLASH?

Last summer, DHS launched a procurement with the clever name FLexible Agile Support for the Homeland (FLASH). It was large ($1.5 billion) and targeted small businesses with forward-leaning capabilities (open source, lean process, agile software development, etc.). Further, it was innovative in it’s…

DHS FLASH Primer

Having successfully competed for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FLexible Agile Support for the Homeland (FLASH)…

Brakes help you go fast — in cars, code, and contracts

An innovative procurement process may matter…

“Born Again” Agile

I have been managing and mentoring Agile software development projects for close to six years. I became sick and tired of “Agile” about a year ago. Then I became a “born-again” Agilist last month. Read on to learn about my Agile rebirth and journey from Agile’s biggest fan to a non-believer and…

Five things contracting officers can do

Being a Contracting Officer (CO) is not an easy job, but doing a few small things can help in big ways.

Past Performance Pain

Just What is a “12 Factor App”?

If you haven’t heard of the 12 Factor App, you probably will soon. You can think of it as almost as the…

Key Personnel in Tech Challenges & Procurements

Making technical challenge participants key seems like…