Government Business and Clean Contracts (part 2 of 2)

America is full of good news. The good news is that government works. Worrisome current affairs aside, we need never forget our government works. Even when we are mentally processing 'wrongs' and 'misappropriations' that occur in the current year, our system simultaneously restructures and rekindles law to aid our plight toward a better coming year. We lend a hand in the restoration of faith of our nation by recognizing and adhering to some of the most recent Congressional Acts presented by Congress that move us toward Clean Contracting and earnest Business Practices. Our faith and remembrance provide advocacy and each day we maintain the ability to participate in, and review, ongoing legislation as our Great Nation undergoes reformation - this is essential thinking for FY09.

Some of the newest series of reformations are streamlined analyses of innovation and desires for best practices sought by the Federal Government from businesses who supply National Defense contract fulfillment. These are benchmarked within the House and Senate Armed Services Committee Reports (110-335 and 110-652) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act (DHNDAA). DHNDAA is not the only sanctionable directive calling for contractor and subcontractor business practice upgrades. The Clean Contracting Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act also seeks federal sector contractor clean-up through invocation of regulations that enhance cost-plus contract reporting instilling cost controls for contractors. The enactment of Subcontractor Plans, ensuring 'blue roof' scandals will not occur, is an equally weighted component of the Clean Contracting Act according to Representative Henry A. Waxman Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The DHNDAA seeks input from the federal business sector, contractors and subcontractors.

As federal contractors and privatized business owners practicing our arts within the Washington DC Metropolitan area, we may feel pinched when laws touch upon our professions. This newest onslaught of government Acts meant to clean up contract infringements may result in stringent restrictions for companies who are raising the bar of excellence in their acquisition management and government business practices through fair practices and lean thinking - rather than affecting those companies that seem to avoid the law already. Tightening contractor and consultant belts may squeeze well-deserved bread and butter from folks who are operating with appropriate vision, but the good news is that DHNDAA calls for business community input in order to avoid vanquishing the very businesses representing high standards of service support delivery within our industry.

As watchdogs and denizens within the business community we should well remember that legal ramifications may be imposed on businesses whose conduct features inappropriate practices. Perhaps in FY09 we should draw inappropriate practices into the light of revelation and accountability as helpmeets to our teammates and associates. At the very least we should hold accountable those firms, and disengage where possible in order to best represent Clean Contracts and the 'ideals' demonstrative of today's marketplace. It is now acceptable to hail reformation and ascribe to lean thinking. We can invoke top-down lean fulfillment and apply bottom-up incents and growth. Employees, as well as clients, presented with clear, conscionable examples of reform in action, rather than outdated expressions, "do as I say, not as I do" are worthwhile agenda items this season. Senior management can no longer exude lavish lifestyles and expect personnel to order less paper and pens, but perform more work with longer hours for less pay with higher expectations. Merit bonuses and pay with incentives for a job well-done are on the platform this season as well as equality and the conceptualization that we all are welcome at the top through laboring together from bottom. And, so it goes in the business world today.

Moving towards 2009 and into the 2010's - earnestness, truth, justice and a sincere desire to provide moral leadership with conscientious performance monitoring, fulfilling successful government business is what the public and our elected legislature decry. Of course, as Washingtonians, we will achieve nothing less.