The concept that federal information technology (IT) procurement should be technology and vendor neutral is among the best practices for federal government agencies. However, when a large federal agency issues an exceptionally large cloud contract to a predetermined vendor for a specific technology solution without competitive bidding, such a contract is neither technology nor vendor […]
President Trump is Right to Stop the Gateway Boondoggle
As Congress stares down yet another funding deadline on March 23, 2018, discussion over the $900 million earmark has resurfaced.
Any Willing Pharmacy – Not as Good as it Sounds
On November 28, 2017, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule that would revise Medicare Part D, the prescription drug program. The proposal dredges up the “any willing pharmacy” issue that would require any Part D plan sponsor, such as an insurer or a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), to allow […]
Hawaii Bill Would Use Tax Dollars to Pay Unions
From every paycheck Mark Janus receives, an amount is deducted and sent to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), one of the most powerful unions in America. Mark is an employee of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and to keep his job over the years, he’s had to […]
Getting Ready for 5G
There are several technologies being considered for developing the next generation of communications infrastructure. Among those being studied and deployed are the use of TV white spaces for rural broadband connectivity; wireless fixed broadband initiatives; satellite broadband, and the development of fifth generation (5G) technologies for mobile communications. According to a March 12, 2018 study […]
The VA Scandal Refuses to End
Countless investigations over the past decade have exposed a systemic cancer of mismanagement, neglect, and failure at the VA.
The BBA, Medicare Part D, and a Cautionary Tale
When President Trump signed the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 on February 9, 2018, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) objected because of its prolific and irresponsible spending, calling the $300 billion (14 percent) increase over current levels “outrageous and unnecessary, as well as a complete abdication of fiscal discipline and […]
Failing DC Metrorail Opens Absurd Swag Shop
The Metrorail system in the nation’s capital has been in crisis for almost a decade. It has been labeled, “the worst in the world,” and its financial situation has been characterized as a “death spiral.” But the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has now unveiled a new plan to fix all of that: A swag store.
New FDA Report on BPA: It is Still Safe
On February 23, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement by Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine Stephen Ostroff, M.D., regarding a draft report issued by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) on the compound bisphenol A, more commonly referred to as BPA. The report concluded that BPA, the compound used to […]
As Other States Thrive, California is a Shadow of Its Former Self
So many iconic images and phrases come to mind when you think of California. The Gold Rush. The American Dream. Hollywood. The place where anything was possible and big dreams can come true—thanks to the smashing success of capitalism. “Go West, Young Man.” It was the pinnacle of American culture, industry, and innovation, and, at […]