Can tech companies withstand hard times? Oct 3, 2008
IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Oracle can hunker down with cash pouring in from a diverse array of corporate and government contracts; they also stand to earn billions helping the credit industry reconstitute itself. Not so much Sun Microsystems , which has been heavily reliant on sales to the troubled financial firms, notes Charles King, analyst at Pund-IT Research. (USA Today -- Tech)
For JoAnn, it's 'Guess who's coming to dinner' Oct 3, 2008
Darrell is a self-employed contractor who does a lot of government contracts with campgrounds, roadside stop areas and has done business in 48 of the 50 states. He sacrifices a drive to Idaho Falls daily to work to be able to live in Ingling with JoAnn. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
China's Suntech solar plans to triple U.S. sales Oct 3, 2008
The acquisition will give Suntech a launch pad for commercial, utility and government contracts. Roger Efird, president of Suntech's U.S. unit, said he was confident that Congress will extend alternative energy tax credits by the end of the year. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Shady deals in Iraq's arms bazaar Sep 25, 2008
7% of the 370,000 infantry weapons supplied to the Iraqi security forces under US government contracts. In many cases, contractors delivering arms imports did not turn in the obligatory official inspection reports, known as DD-250s, substituting instead "Adequate for Payment" paperwork. (Asia Times Online)
* MOEA courts free-trade deal with EU Sep 24, 2008
Given that local businesses have had full access to bidding for government contracts in Europe, Dirk Sanger, the chambers ex-chairman, urged the local government yesterday to move on and fulfill the nations six-year-old commitment by relaxing restrictions on government purchasing by foreign businesses. This story has been viewed 390 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
India slips 13 places on corruption index Sep 24, 2008
India appeared to have been hurt by sluggish reforms in major sectors like power, banking and insurance, slow progress on regulatory processes, lack of transparency in government contracts and non-passage of bills like the Lok Pal legislation. India's integrity score on a scale of 10 has gone down marginally from 3. (Times of India)
Corzine to introduce ethics reforms today Sep 24, 2008
They address concerns about "pay to play" - the practice of rewarding political donors with lucrative government contracts - and so-called "wheeling" of campaign money from one political party committee to another. The governor also wants legislation to increase financial disclosure by lawmakers. (The Trentonian, NJ)
Zardari to U.S.: Let Pakistan go after terrorists Sep 23, 2008
10 Percent for longstanding allega 00000B42 tions that he pocketed profits from numerous government contracts during his wifes presidency, Zardari had faced corruption charges in Pakistan, Britain and Switzerland. But U.S. negotiators persuaded Pakistani authorities to drop them as part of the deal that allowed Bhutto to return to Pakistan from exile. (MSNBC -- International)
Obama and McCain battle over U.S. financial crisis Sep 23, 2008
At a campaign rally in Wisconsin, Obama said he would aim to prevent another crisis by pushing for measures to curb the influence of lobbyists, streamline and strengthen regulatory agencies, crack down on no-bid government contracts and make government more open and transparent. REFORM "BROKEN GOVERNMENT". (International Herald Tribune)
Writer's war critique perverts mission of the service Sep 22, 2008
The "graft and mismanagement" of government contracts for reconstruction projects are the fault not of our soldiers but of the Congress we elected to award and monitor those contracts. On behalf of my son and daughter who are currently serving in Iraq and my husband who served in Vietnam, I am disgusted by Almond's assertion that some soldiers "are driven to savagery" because they have been given an "ethically incoherent mission.". (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
How can we save manufacturing? Sep 22, 2008
There are guidelines for State Government contracts encouraging local business participation for tenders valued at more than $10 million in metropolitan areas and $5 million in regional Victoria. The Government also provides industry- specific inducements to attract and retain businesses in the state. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Lesson Plans Sep 20, 2008
The government contracts present the biggest challenges because the schools are so far-flung ... As with any outfit dependent on government contracts, Educomp is vulnerable to policy changes. (Forbes -- Technology)
Canada-EU trade proposal rivals scope of NAFTA Sep 20, 2008
The proposed pact would far exceed the scope of older agreements such as NAFTA by encompassing not only unrestricted trade in goods, services and investment and the removal of tariffs, but also the free movement of skilled people and an open market in government services and procurement which would require that Canadian governments allow European companies to bid as equals on government contracts for both goods and services and end the favouring of local or national providers of public-sector... (Globe and Mail)
Liberia: President Sirleaf Embarrassed Sep 18, 2008
Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is embarrassed by the unwarranted behaviour of her former confidant Willis Knuckles, who is being investigated for allegedly soliciting money from expatriate companies in return for government contracts. "I am hurt. I am deeply wounded and we are sad about this because it is very embarrassing," she told journalists in Monrovia. (allAfrica.com)
Bangladesh minister is sentenced Sep 18, 2008
Mr Aman was accused of extortion, illegal land acquisition and assisting businessmen to receive large government contracts. The emergency government - backed by the military - came to power five months ago and has vowed to clean up politics before re-staging elections. (Yahoo News -- Bangladesh)
eBiz in A-town Sep 18, 2008
Business Forward gave business owners information about health insurance, government contracts, grants, along with some other skills, Meagher wrote in a 2005 column. The eBiz Symposium will focus on all things online. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Liberia: President Calls Email Controversy 'Embarrassing' Sep 17, 2008
The extent of damage done on President Sirleaf's political image as a result of the e-mail scam involving Mr. Knuckles who is alleged to have solicited money from expatriate companies (using the name of the President) to secure for them government contracts, seems to have far-reaching implications. President Sirleaf said since the emergence of Knucklesgate-II, she continues to receive calls from individuals overseas who said they could not believe what's obtaining because they knew her record. (allAfrica.com)
Biodefense: Scientists take the offense to find funding Sep 16, 2008
Dewey Manzer, CEO of BioVigilant Systems Inc., also is reaching out to the pharmaceutical market while waiting for federal government contracts to generate revenue. When he formed his company in November 2002 in Tucson, the goal was to pursue biodefense opportunities to detect the presence of bioagents, such as anthrax, in the air. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Nestor sells unit for 37 mln pounds Sep 15, 2008
Last November, the company's shares fell 60 percent in a week after it issued a profit warning when expected government contracts failed to materialise. The Carewatch unit has been bought by a company controlled by Lyceum Capital, a private equity partnership focused on investment in mid-market businesses. (International Herald Tribune)
Casper briefs Sep 14, 2008
Procuring government contracts will be the subject of a lunch workshop from noon to 1 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the Natrona County Public Library, according to a release. Shannon Howshar of Gro-Biz will share information on requirements businesses must meet and resources available to assist in locating contracting opportunities. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Business big shot: Bob Geldof Sep 13, 2008
4 million in the past financial year, growing through a mixture of acquistions of smaller rivals and winning government contracts for activities such as Teachers TV. But the company is far from Mr Geldof s first business venture. The Irishman toyed with setting up a classified newspaper, called Buy and Sell, in Dublin back in the 1970s. (Times Online)
Do you agree that India is one of the most unfriendly countries to do business in? Sep 13, 2008
Three factors land, natural resources and government contracts are the predominant sources of the wealth of our billionaires ... Underscoring the importance of transparency and bidding in all government contracts, he called for reforms in land-titling and registration system so that titles are clear. (India Times)
Sex Scandal Taints Oil Drilling Debate Sep 12, 2008
A former supervisor who bought cocaine from a colleague, then boosted her performance award, had sex with subordinates and steered government contracts to an outside business where he also worked. Between 2002 and 2006, 19 oil marketers - nearly a third of the Denver office staff - received gifts and gratuities from oil and gas companies, including Chevron Corp., Shell, Hess Corp. and Denver-based Gary-Williams Energy Corp., the investigators found. (CBS News)
Communications & Power Industries Showcases New Satellite Communications Products at IBC2008 Sep 12, 2008
These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to consummate the described bank financing on reasonable terms, competition in our end markets; our significant amount of debt; changes or reductions in the U.S. defense budget; U.S. government contracts laws and regulations; changes in technology; the impact of unexpected costs; inability to obtain raw materials and components; and currency fluctuations. These and other risks are described in more detail in our periodic filings with the... (PR Newswire)
Probe finds illicit sex, gifts Sep 12, 2008
The report said Smith also steered government contracts to a consulting business that paid him 30,000 for his work from April 2002 through June 2003. Smith retired from the office in May 2007. (Casper Star-Tribune)
Sex For Oil Scandal At Interior Department Sep 12, 2008
The reports revealed startling allegations including that an employee attended a so-called "treasure hunt" in the desert with all expenses paid by an oil producer, and that a former supervisor - who bought cocaine from a colleague then boosted her performance award - had sex with subordinates, and steered government contracts to an outside business where he also worked, Attkisson reports ... The report said Smith also steered government contracts to a consulting business that was employing him... (CBS News -- US)
NIH Funds SIGA Dengue Antiviral Program Sep 12, 2008
Factors that may cause such differences include the risks that (a) potential products that appear promising to SIGA or its collaborators cannot be shown to be efficacious or safe in subsequent pre-clinical or clinical trials, (b) SIGA or its collaborators will not obtain appropriate or necessary governmental approvals to market these or other potential products, (c) SIGA may not be able to obtain anticipated funding for its development projects or other needed funding, (d) SIGA may not be able... (Primezone Releases)
Sex, Lies And Big Oil? Sep 11, 2008
A former supervisor who bought cocaine from a colleague, then boosted her performance award, had sex with subordinates and steered government contracts to an outside business where he also worked. No one - from the oil companies to the workers allegedly involved - provided a response today other than to say they cooperated with the investigation, or appropriate action will be taken. (CBS News)
Sex, Drugs And Oil Sep 11, 2008
In addition, Smith allegedly steered government contracts to a consulting firm that he was working for part-time. In a letter from DOI Inspector General Earl Devaney to Interior Secretary Dick Kempthorne, Devaney said the investigation had cost $5. (Forbes -- Business)
Congress Returns with Little Time, Huge Workload Sep 10, 2008
Some of these provisions include a prohibition on public-private competitions for government contracts, a requirement to videotape detainee interrogations, a rejection of an executive order regarding earmarks, Iraq war policy, missile defense, and many others. Other Priorities: Hurricane Gustav spared the Gulf Coast cataclysmic damage but did not leave the region unscathed. (OMB Watch)
West sees Coke's Huiyuan bid as test case Sep 10, 2008
The European chamber, which represents more than 1 000 firms, called on Beijing to ease curbs on market access, foreign investment and bidding for government contracts, and to make regulatory enforcement more clear. Wuttke said that European exports to China grew by 12 percent last year to 72 billion (R802 billion at yesterday's exchange rate), but Chinese sales to the EU rose 18 percent to 230 billion. (Business Report, South Africa)
Paterson vetoes bill to create commission to look at states recreation industry Sep 9, 2008
Municipal courses also enjoy the purchasing power afforded by government contracts, enabling them to offer reduced rates to area residents that underprice many privately owned golf courses. The golf course owners said their premise was that privately owned courses deserve tax breaks because they, like their government-run competition, preserve acres of green space for public benefit and use. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Pakistanis wonder if new president is equal to challenge Sep 7, 2008
But many people remain mistrustful of him over corruption charges dating to the 1990s; the derisive nickname given him by political opponents has never gone away: "Mr. 10 Percent," for the kickbacks he allegedly demanded on government contracts. Although never convicted, Zardari spent 11 years in prison in connection with the accusations of corruption and other charges. (Boston Globe)
Rice Sees 'Good Way Forward' After Pakistan Election Sep 7, 2008
Many Pakistanis call him "Mr. 10 Percent," a reference to accusations he pocketed commissions on government contracts during her two terms as prime minister. After Bhutto was killed last year, Zardari returned from exile, took control of her party and led it to victory in the February elections. (Fox News)
Breach Cases Could Cost U.S. Government Billions Sep 6, 2008
Whichever dollar figure emerges, "this is a very, very big problem for the Department of Energy," said veteran government contracts litigator Jerry Stouck, partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Greenberg Traurig and counsel to four utilities in the recent Federal Circuit rulings ... Congress in July explicitly terminated government contracts with 325 medical suppliers that bid to provide medical equipment and supplies to an estimated 3. (Law.com)
Pakistani Lawmakers Begin Voting on Next President Sep 6, 2008
Foes and many ordinary Pakistanis still refer to him as "Mr. 10 Percent," because of allegations that he pocketed commissions on government contracts for everything from a license to import gold to the purchase of 8,000 Polish tractors. Zardari went through about 11 years in jail in two spells as well as marathon court proceedings. (Fox News)
Halliburton Contract Critic Loses Her Job Sep 6, 2008
"I can unequivocally state that the abuse related to contracts awarded to KBR represents the most blatant and improper abuse I have witnessed" in 20 years working on government contracts, Greenhouse said at the Democratic forum. She said the independence of the Corps' contracting process was compromised in the handling of the contact. (Yahoo News -- Halliburton)
Pakistani lawmakers start presidential vote Sep 6, 2008
Many Pakistanis call him "Mr. 10 Percent," a reference to accusations he pocketed commissions on government contracts during her two terms as prime minister. Zardari went through about 11 years in jail on corruption allegations but he was never convicted at home or in cases overseas. (USA Today)
Pakistan's Zardari Marked By Corruption, Tragedy Sep 6, 2008
Foes and many ordinary Pakistanis still refer to him as Mr. Ten Percent, because of allegations that he pocketed commissions on government contracts for everything from a license to import gold to the purchase of 8,000 Polish tractors. At one point, the couple was accused of spiriting $1. (CBS News -- World)
In twist, Pakistan's 'Mr. 10 Percent' poised for presidency Sep 5, 2008
"He is the most corrupt man 'Mr. 10 Percent,' " says engineer Raheel Rehman, 27, using a nickname that stems from accusations Zardari took a cut from government contracts while his wife was in office. Rehman says Zardari becoming president "would be the most unfortunate event in Pakistan's history.". (USA Today)
Small biz conference to focus on government contracts Sep 4, 2008
Members: Not Registered. for free extra services. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
LETTERS: NCT, Sept. 2, 2008 Sep 3, 2008
Oh Please wrote on Sep 2, 2008 5:33 PM:Ron[-] wrote on Sep 2, 2008 4:05 PM: Keep issueing them with money you obtain from the government contracts. par for the course wrote on Sep 2, 2008 5:42 PM:I don't know much about Ms Palin but judging by the left leaning partisan hacks that follow Obama like lemmings, she must be doing something right. (North County Times)
Commander's value tied to ticking clock Sep 3, 2008
The ability of Commander Communications' receivers to fetch a decent price for the failed telco is in doubt because many of its lucrative government contracts expire in less than 10 months. Pressure is building on the receivers, led by McGrathNicol's Peter Anderson, to get the best price for the contracts, which are its biggest selling point, and the rest of the company. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Anwar plans a 'better budget' Sep 2, 2008
Anwar, who unveiled PKR's 2009 budget and economic policy on Tuesday, said he would review the Government's Budget 2009 and present one that promoted economic growth, equal wealth distribution, lower taxes and an open tender for government contracts. "All government contracts must also be tendered in an open, competitive and transparent manner to reduce expenditure and prevent certain parties such as cronies from benefiting. "I will use my eight years prior experience as finance minister to... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Charity joins jails contracts bid Sep 2, 2008
Nacro, a charity which attempts to cut crime by finding practical work for offenders, has formed a consortium to win Government contracts for jails in Merseyside and London. It joined forces with private security firm G4S, a drugs charity and a construction company in its bid to run 600-bed Maghull and Belmarsh West prisons. (Ananova -- World Headlines)
Honolulu biotech firm sees success with artificial corneas Sep 1, 2008
He declined to disclose the company s research budget or revenue, but said some of the staff strictly go after government contracts and grants to help fund research and development. Cellular Bioengineering has attracted a total of about $14 million in government contracts to date from federal departments interested in its technologies. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Robots on the move Aug 31, 2008
Another key piece of what's happening is that venture capitalists are beginning to put money into robotics companies, which have traditionally had to piece together government contracts and research grants. Waltham's Castile Ventures has been the primary investor in North End Technologies, which has raised $4 million, and Bain Capital Ventures in Boston has led the investment in Kiva Systems Inc., a Woburn maker of robotic warehouse workers. (Boston Globe)
Blagojevich the reformer? Aug 31, 2008
The bill addresses pay to play activities and is an attempt to remove the practice, or at least the suspicion, of government contracts being awarded based on campaign contributions ... The bill would prohibit businesses with more than 50,000 in government contracts from making campaign contributions to elected officials who have control over the contracting process. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Seminar scheduled for minority- and women-owned businesses Aug 29, 2008
A free seminar being held in Albany, N.Y., on Sept. 3 will help minority- and women-owned businesses get certified to bid on state and local government contracts. The Certification in a Day program will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the on State Street. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Raytheon loses bid to avoid state sales tax Aug 28, 2008
Raytheon argued that it "regularly needs to purchase many items in order to perform its government contracts." ... But in a ruling last month, the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board denied the request, ruling the expenses, including snow removal and catering services, were "incidental" to the government contracts ... "Aside from the occasion when a paper-copy of a report or memorandum was delivered to the federal government, the indirect cost items at issue were generally not delivered to the... (Boston Globe)
UDRI to partner with Air Force on alternative fuel research facility Aug 28, 2008
3 million in government contracts from more than 50 separate contracts. E-mail jdirr@bizjournals. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Announces New Strategic Contracts Valued At Approximately $2.2 Million Aug 28, 2008
Factors that may cause the Company's results to differ include, but are not limited to: risks that work under the contracts will curtail, change or terminate; risks that the new business, if or when issued, may not have the scope of work anticipated by the Company; risks that integration activities related to the recent SYS acquisition will prove more costly, take more time, or be more distracting than currently anticipated; risks that the transaction will cause disruption of the Company's... (Primezone Releases)
Ex-Navy manager awaiting sentenceCase involved San Marcos firm Aug 28, 2008
In an indictment that was handed up in February, federal prosecutors alleged the conspirators exploited a Small Business Administration program intended to assist small, disadvantaged businesses get government contracts. Under the so-called 8(a) program, government program managers can award sole-source contracts for as much as $3 million without competitive bidding. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Grid-X Quietly Collects Cash Aug 27, 2008
The 100GigE grid company has added more than $800,000 "in new government contracts, customer contributions, and seed investments," bringing total funding to more than $2 million. Grid-X is using the money to develop its series of offload engines, which the company says "uses patent-pending algorithms and coding to implement what will be the lowest cost, fastest offload engine on the market.". (eSecurityPlanet)
Anwar wins big in Malaysian by-election Aug 27, 2008
Anwar and his allies have also said they would make the handing out of government contracts more transparent than the system of no-bid contracts that is common today. "One of the things that has held this country back is the issue of corruption - resources are not being distributed in a way that is fair to the vast majority of people," said Bridget Welsh, a specialist in Malaysian politics at Johns Hopkins University in Washington. (International Herald Tribune)
Swiss Drop Charges Against Bhutto's Widower Aug 26, 2008
He said the money came from Pakistani government contracts with Societe Generale de Surveillance and its former subsidiary Cotecna Inspection SA.. Cotecna denied at the time that any of its employees violated national or international laws, and said it was having to "bear the brunt of internal political rivalries in Pakistan.". (Law.com)
Busted budgets raise ire of GOP base Aug 26, 2008
Borrow and spend: Promise tax cuts to get elected, cut taxes for those rich enough to contribute to your next campaign fund, borrow money and spend it like drunken sailors on government contracts to your good buddies, cut budgets for necessities like schools, infrastructure, and reservoir construction, and blame budget deficits on the Democrats, and leave debt to future generations. AKA Modern GOP fiscal responsibility. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
HP closes on $13.9B purchase of EDS Aug 26, 2008
EDS has roughly 500 employees in the Triangle, where it works on a number of state government contracts, among other projects. HP said in a statement that it will hold an analyst meeting Sept. 15 to discuss the acquisition in more depth. (Triangle Business Journal)
Picking Up the Pieces in Pakistan Aug 26, 2008
Zardari is still remembered by many as "Mr. 10%," the sobriquet he earned for allegedly demanding commissions on government contracts. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and was cleared of all charges earlier this year, thanks to an issue of amnesty by Musharraf. (Time.com)
Bangladesh minister is sentenced Aug 25, 2008
Mr Aman was accused of extortion, illegal land acquisition and assisting businessmen to receive large government contracts. The emergency government - backed by the military - came to power five months ago and has vowed to clean up politics before re-staging elections. (Yahoo News -- Bangladesh)
Who audits the auditors? Aug 25, 2008
Despite all the cries for government reform, the practice of funneling money to political candidates to win government contracts is all too prevalent in the state. Boxer has proposed legislation that would prohibit political contributions by government auditing firms and would require competitive bidding for auditing work every five years, with mandatory replacement of a government entity's auditor every decade. (NJ.com -- Times)
ID contractor denounced over data loss Aug 23, 2008
In the last four years PA Consulting has won government contracts worth at least 240m which include, from 2004, the involvement of the firm in the flagship ID cards scheme. Jim Cousins, the Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, who has asked most parliamentary questions about the firm, said: "I am shocked by the level of expenditure on consultants and even more shocked by the way the government seems to have become dependent on consultants for the delivery of core public services.". (guardian.co.uk)
UPDATE: UK loses memory stick with data on 130,000 criminals... Aug 23, 2008
"The Home Office has informed us that an internal report will be carried out into the data security arrangements between the Home Office and its contractor, PA Consulting. We expect the Home Office to provide us at the Information Commissioner's Office with a copy of the report and its findings. We will the 00004000 n decide what further action may be appropriate. Searching questions must be answered about what safeguards were in place to protect this information.A spokesman for PA Consulting,... (The Drudge Report)
U.K. Paid $440 Million to Consulting Company That Lost Criminal Data Files Aug 23, 2008
Aug. 22 (Bloomberg) -- PA Consulting Group, the company that lost a data storage device with the details of all 84,000 prisoners in England and Wales, has won at least 240 million pounds ($440 million) in government contracts since 2004 ... The loss may jeopardize future government contracts for the company, which came to at least 79 million pounds in the year ended March 2007, according to answers to Parliamentary questions. (Bloomberg -- UK)
Senate and House candidates talk economy and energy Aug 23, 2008
He also said bundling contracts hurts the ability of small firms to get government contracts. Both White and Heinrich said there is a need for education reform and said parents and teachers should be more involved in that process. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
