BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info

Subject: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 08:40 PM

In this climate of jeopardy regarding wiki leaks and leaks by gov employees I need help emailing critical people with some brand new information which will not divulge my email address directly.
I could resort to snail mail as the most secure method since I could still be outed as the source by people here, but time is of the essence regarding billions of dollars becoming wasted in a new plot to bilk the US government by people of extreme wealth.

To whom should you send the message?
I thought of Rachel Maddow, Joe Biden, Newspapers that have investigative journalists, people you think are best suited to learn more and report widely.




The message;

Today I learned of an unprecedented revamping of the entire policy regarding the funding of outside/independent contractors of the Federal Government.

People in our office do not yet know if the decision to change the entire payment policy to contractors is a new law, a new legal interpretation of standing law or perhaps a fast one being pulled by persons unknown.

The OMB has ordered that contractors will now get all their money up front by a billing in advance scheme thus abolishing the age old minimum payment policies. Also payment outstanding for monies due at completion of contracts must be fulfilled immediately.

Since no Federal office has an approved budget going into April, there are cases in which we cannot fulfill this new payment policy and situations in which this new policy is in contradiction with current laws and contract programs which expect to be funded but can not because of the limitations on specific amounts that can be paid.

In the current push to cut spending this preposterous order to pay everyone, will be an extraordinary expense of billions of dollars across the board.

This is being pushed so rapidly I have my doubts as to its veracity and legality. IF this is done it will eliminate the basic incentives for contractors to do their jobs to the satisfaction of the government. The only monetary control over contractors will come at contract renewal time.

Please look into this matter the best you can. Remember time is short before billions of dollars go running out the door.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 08:42 PM

To whom should you send the message?
I thought of Rachel Maddow, Joe Biden, Newspapers that have investigative journalists, people you think are best suited to learn more and report widely.

The message;

Today I learned of an unprecedented revamping of the entire policy regarding the funding of outside/independent contractors of the Federal Government.

People in our office do not yet know if the decision to change the entire payment policy to contractors is a new law, a new legal interpretation of standing law or perhaps a fast one being pulled by persons unknown.
The OMB has ordered that contractors will now get all their money up front by a billing in advance scheme thus abolishing the age old minimum payment policies. Also payment outstanding for monies due at completion of contracts must be fulfilled immediately.

Since no Federal office has an approved budget going into April, there are cases in which we cannot fulfill this new payment policy and situations in which this new policy is in contradiction with current laws and contract programs which expect to be funded but can not because of the limitations on specific amounts that can be paid.

In the current push to cut spending, this preposterous order to pay everyone will be an extraordinary expense of billions of dollars across the board.

This is being pushed so rapidly I have my doubts as to its veracity and legality. IF this is done it will eliminate the basic incentives for contractors to do their jobs to the satisfaction of the government. The only monetary control over contractors will come at contract renewal time.

Please look into this matter the best you can. Remember time is short before billions of dollars go running out the door.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: GUEST,999
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 08:47 PM

NYT and Washington Post.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 08:48 PM

be my guest, they can look into this quandry further.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: gnu
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 08:51 PM

So, print the sucker and send it by courier. Pay cash. Wear a disguise. Get at it! Why are you wasting time and endagering all of us?

JAYSUS CHRIST MAN!

ACT NOW!!!

OR ALL WILL BE LOST!!!!

Be sure to update us so we know if we should hide in our basements eh?

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 09:17 PM

gnu,
I love you when you are angry.
I love you when you are nice
I love you when you pander
but not when you vainly scream Christ

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 09:25 PM

Frankly I am passing this info along for a friend who is both a patriot in the best sense and undeserving of any retribution for asking the above question.

The question and message is...


Today I learned of an unprecedented revamping of the entire policy regarding the funding of outside/independent contractors of the Federal Government.

People in our office do not yet know if the decision to change the entire payment policy to contractors is a new law, a new legal interpretation of standing law or perhaps a fast one being pulled by persons unknown.
The OMB has ordered that contractors will now get all their money up front by a billing in advance scheme thus abolishing the age old minimum payment policies. Also payment outstanding for monies due at completion of contracts must be fulfilled immediately.

Since no Federal office has an approved budget going into April, there are cases in which we cannot fulfill this new payment policy and situations in which this new policy is in contradiction with current laws and contract programs which expect to be funded but can not because of the limitations on specific amounts that can be paid.

In the current push to cut spending, this preposterous order to pay everyone will be an extraordinary expense of billions of dollars across the board.

This is being pushed so rapidly I have my doubts as to its veracity and legality. IF this is done it will eliminate the basic incentives for contractors to do their jobs to the satisfaction of the government. The only monetary control over contractors will come at contract renewal time.

Please look into this matter the best you can. Remember time is short before billions of dollars go running out the door.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 09:58 PM

There ARE temporary, disposable email addresses available.

temp addys

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 10:04 PM

clever but weighed against a person possibly losing their job, I'll opt for third person referrals and snail mail.

Bill those temp addys are worth tracing this thread for. thanks

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 10:34 PM

gnu, while it is fun to play a foil, you do so inappropriately.

Even if you think I am repeating the word fire in a crowded theater, there is smoke and we do not yet know where it is coming from.

Again the message that needs to be delivered and answered by respondsible journalists or administration officials is ...



Today I learned of an unprecedented revamping of the entire policy regarding the funding of outside/independent contractors of the Federal Government.

People in our office do not yet know if the decision to change the entire payment policy to contractors is a new law, a new legal interpretation of standing law or perhaps a fast one being pulled by persons unknown.
The OMB has ordered that contractors will now get all their money up front by a billing in advance scheme thus abolishing the age old minimum payment policies. Also payment outstanding for monies due at completion of contracts must be fulfilled immediately.

Since no Federal office has an approved budget going into April, there are cases in which we cannot fulfill this new payment policy and situations in which this new policy is in contradiction with current laws and contract programs which expect to be funded but can not because of the limitations on specific amounts that can be paid.

In the current push to cut spending, this preposterous order to pay everyone will be an extraordinary expense of billions of dollars across the board.

This is being pushed so rapidly I have my doubts as to its veracity and legality. IF this is done it will eliminate the basic incentives for contractors to do their jobs to the satisfaction of the government. The only monetary control over contractors will come at contract renewal time.

Please investigate this for yourself.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: GUEST,999
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 10:44 PM

I would find some relatively honest senators and send them the info.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: GUEST,999
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 12:46 AM

That is if there are any left who aren't in bed with the banks and multis.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: michaelr
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 01:40 AM

Please investigate this for yourself.

Er... perhaps you might clue us in as to where you got this information?

I'm getting worried about you, Don.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 08:15 AM

This is all very interesting but only somewhat amusing fo us here in Australia.

Coming from a Public Service background with its roots in the British Empire Colonial office, I doubt such a hare brained idea will ever catch on here among people who have a culture of only releasing Public Money as if it was their own blood. Furthermore, they longer they hold on to it, the more interest they can earn in the short term overnight money market.

I spent many years as a 'payment queries' person and trust me, it was almost a crime to pay anything even on time: the mere idea of paying totally in advance caused me great mirth.

But then you are talking about the USA, so I do believe that such madness could easily break out there.

The date here is currently March 29. A couple of days to wait, you released it too early....

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 10:58 AM

Last week I posted inside info regarding big pharma and their new rip off scheme regarding relicenseing drugs about to become generic.
I gave you the information a week before the Washington Post printed it today!

Here is the story
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/fda-approval-of-drug-to-prevent-preemies-prompts-price-jump-from-10-to-1500/2011/03/04/AF

Doubt me if you like but one reason I post here at all is that it is time stamped so I can prove what I say.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 11:01 AM

and voila here is the link to my post before the Washington Post got a hold of it.
http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=136603#3120396

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 11:08 AM

If the link did not work


Critics slam cost of FDA-approved drug to prevent preterm births
Text Size PrintE-mailReprintsBy Rob Stein, Monday, March 28, 9:07 PM
When a drug to prevent babies from being born too early won federal approval in February, many doctors, pregnant women and others cheered the step as a major advance against a heartbreaking tragedy.

149
Comments

Weigh InCorrections?


KV Pharmaceutical Co./ - Makena, a recently approved drug to prevent preterm births.

Then they saw the price tag.

The list price for the drug, Makena, turned out to be a stunning $1,500 per dose. That's for a drug that must be injected every week for about 20 weeks, meaning it will cost about $30,000 per at-risk pregnancy. If every eligible American woman were to get Makena, the nation's bloated annual health-care tab would swell by more than $4 billion.

What really infuriates patients and doctors is that the same compound has been available for years at a fraction of the cost — about $10 or $20 a shot.

"It's outrageous," said Helain J. Landy, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital. "Raising the cost of each injection from around $20 to $1,500 is ludicrous."

The company that owns Makena, KV Pharmaceutical of St. Louis, says the price is reasonable, given that it is spending more than $200 million to develop the drug and conduct follow-up studies that the Food and Drug Administration demands, and because of the savings resulting from preventing preterm births. Through a subsidiary, Ther-Rx Corp., the company created a program to help women who can't afford it.

"Ther-Rx is fundamentally committed to the community of women, children and families it serves and has been carefully listening to all stakeholders following the announcement of the list price for Makena," the company said in an e-mail.

Critics are challenging that claim, noting that the main study used to demonstrate the drug's effectiveness was a $5 million project conducted by the National Institutes of Health — paid by taxpayers.

"It's not like this drug is something they invented," said George Saade, president of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, which, along with the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics, sent KV a letter protesting Makena's price. "I think the company is taking advantage of their FDA approval and their monopoly to make money."

In addition to making the drug unaffordable for some women, experts fret about the added costs for insurers that choose to pay for it, especially Medicaid programs already being slashed in states struggling with deficits.

"I'm worried about the patients not being able to afford the medication. I'm worried about our health-care system not being able to afford to pay this kind of price for a medication. And I'm worried about a process that enabled a drug that was readily available to go on to be become very expensive," said Hal C. Lawrence III, vice president of practice activities at ACOG.

The case has put a spotlight on the March of Dimes, which has received about $1 million in donations from Ther-Rx and praised Makena when it was approved, only to later criticize the price.

"They were clearly holding back the price until after the FDA approval process," said Alan R. Fleischman, March of Dimes's medical director. "When we found out, we were as outraged as everyone else."

More than 500,000 of the 4.2 million women who have babies each year give birth prematurely, and many of the babies don't survive. Those who do are at increased risk for many health problems, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy and autism.

A form of progesterone known as 17P was used for years to reduce the risk of preterm birth, but it fell out of favor after the manufacturing company stopped making it. In 2003, the NIH study showed that 17P could cut the risk of preterm delivery if given in the first 16 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. That led to a resurgence in the use of 17P. Because no companies marketed the drug, women obtained it cheaply from "compounding" pharmacies, which produced individual batches for them.

Doctors and regulators had long worried about the purity and consistency of the drug and were pleased when KV won FDA's imprimatur for a well-studied version, which the company is selling as Makena.

The approval of Makena gave the company seven years of exclusive rights, and KV immediately fired off letters to compounding pharmacies, warning that they could no longer sell their versions of drug.

"Continuing to compound this product after FDA approval of Makena renders the compounded product subject to FDA enforcement for violating certain provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as well as FDA guidance," the letter says.

After word of KV's actions began to spread, Internet sites for pregnant women became filled with angry commentary. Some created Facebook pages lambasting KV.

"I think it's disgusting," said Della Leahy, 34, of Fairfax, who is taking 17P to prevent her fourth pregnancy from ending prematurely. Leahy has two children but lost a son in 2008 who was born prematurely. "It just seems like the company is out for a huge gain of money. It's very upsetting."

Each insurance company and state Medicaid program must decide whether to cover the drug. But even women whose insurance will pay could face thousands in out-of-pocket costs to satisfy co-payments and deductibles.

FDA officials said that they had no idea how much the company planned to charge for the drug and were surprised by the cost but that the agency has no power over pricing.

In an interview with The Washington Post on Friday, an FDA official said that, if requested, the agency could approve a lower-priced generic version of the drug for another use that doctors could prescribe "off label."

In addition, the official said the agency would not prevent compounding pharmacies from continuing to provide 17P unless patient safety is thought to be at risk.

"We have our hands full pursuing our enforcement priorities," said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue. "And it's not illegal for a physician to write a prescription for a compounded drug or for a patient to take a compounded drug. We certainly are concerned about access of patients to medication."

Several members of Congress have sent letters to KV complaining about the price and demanding justification and have asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Federal Trade Commission for investigations.

Outside experts said the FTC could sue KV if it concludes the company is illegally impairing competition.

"It threatens to extract significant competitive harm on extremely vulnerable pregnant women, and it threatens to significantly inflate health-care costs at a time when controlling health-care costs is a critical national priority," said David Balto, a Washington antitrust lawyer who worked at the FTC.


[e-mail]

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: artbrooks
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 11:11 AM

This is wrong in so many ways. In the federal agency by which I was employed for nearly 30 years (the Department of Veterans Affairs), every single procurement regulation, which derive directly from statutes, requires payment on delivery. There are some large contracts that involve partial advance or interim payments, and this is because the providing company cannot do things entirely out of its own pocket - build a new hospital, for example. I doubt very much if the Office of Procurement Policy within OMB has the legal authority to change all this.

You say that OMB has ordered... There is no such thing as "secret" policy changes of this order of magnitude - if for no other reason than how could they be implemented if agencies don't know about them? If it is a "proposed" policy, than the proposal must be published in advance for public comment. Please provide a link to your source.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 11:30 AM

Which is exactly why I think it is possible a very large crime is being perpetrated. OR a reinterpretation of prior law may be in play.
Whatever is going on...

This is news before the news, No newspaper has written about this yet, they may not be aware of this yet, so there is no link.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 11:37 AM

I noticed that the 'news' media sources that you picked are all considered 'left' by many. I would send it to a wider variety, of sources, up to and including 'The Drudge Report, NPR, Fox, Democratic leadership, Republican leadership, and the Tea party, Rand Paul, Michelle Bachmann and/or any front line figure who has a voice, and access to be heard. I would NOT stick to either party biased media, nor politician. See who picks it up. Also, include in your letter that you are sending in triplicate, and the fact, that you are sending it to others. As far as the 'news' sources, you might hint to them that they have the 'chance' to have the exclusive on this. Meanwhile, you could also include talk radio, whether it be considered 'right' or 'left'. It doesn't matter who picks up the story, you just want it heard, and hope someone runs with it. After all, isn't that the object of it?
You might be surprised who is really FOR it, and who would want to push it. You might consider that you need 'back up' sources, to verify that your story is correct, and verifiable.
It's ironic, that you'd fear this present administration?!?! After all, you have been a supporter of them, at one time or another.

Regards Donuel,

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Greg F.
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 11:52 AM

Sources?    SOURCES ?????

WE DON'T NEED NO STEENKING SOURCES!!

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 11:55 AM

Indeed a fiscal conservative tea partier would be incensed at the money that is being lost/over spent.

However a Koch Bros. Tea partiers for prosperity would be happy that private companies are going to have their dreams come true and get money before they do anything and get to keep it even if they don't deliver.

I admit retelling a story I heard but once and was over my head in law numbers, agencies and abbreviations makes for a sketchy understanding of everything involved. Its like the paper cup I held to the wall had a hole in it. But from what I too away, it seems like many agencies are going to be playing catch up on this issue regarding payments to outside contractors, and its going to cost a fortune.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 02:53 PM

"I surmise the total bill will come to 1.3 million dollars- and I require full payment up front."

"My estimate is that the repairs will total over 400 dollars- aw, what the heck, let's make it 401 dollars; I'll cut you a break. Of course, it has to be paid before I lay a finger on your car."

I don't think so.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 03:30 PM

paranoia can be fueled by something as simple as leaving off part of a link...here's the FULL link to the Post story. (me? I did a search of the Post site using "preemies"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/fda-approval-of-drug-to-prevent-preemies-prompts-price-jump-from-10-to-1500/2011/03/04/AFmRo6qB_story.html

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 04:08 PM

Hi, artbrooks-
I forgot or hadn't known that you were a retired Fed. I tend to cringe when I see "conspiracy theory" posts that expose how dishonest and subversive federal employees are. In my 25 years of federal employment and five as a "privatized" contractor, I almost always saw extreme honesty, dedication, and common sense among federal employees.
In 25 years as an investigator with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, I worked in almost every government agency. Almost every one did excellent work, despite the burden of having to work under the vagaries of the political process. Sure, there are exceptions, but most U.S. government employees work hard to earn what the taxpayers pay them.


-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 06:22 PM

The Prompt Payment Act of Nineteen and ninety-seven requires government agencies to pay their bills on time.
See- National Public Accountant, Jan. 1997, article by Lampert and Wilson.
A form, OMB No. 3090-0105, provides "Contractor's Request for Progress Payment."
For most payments, see "Financial Manual for Grants and Contracts."

Act sections provide for government contract financing "in terms of partial payments, progress payments, guaranteed loans and advance payments for contracts other than cost-reimbursement contracts."
See FAR, Part 32.

Donals sky-is-falling warning seems to point to what has been government policy for years- if a contractor has a good plan but cannot finance it all up front, the government helps out.
As far as I can determine, the OMB has never had a set minimum payment system.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 10:02 PM

paranoia, sky is falling ?

yeah yeah you've said it all before, before the forwarned crash, the debacle in Iraq, the dager of nuclear plants...ad infinitum
I'm not concerned with your name calling Q, its your calling card. To focus your energy on an endeavor to say I said something I did not say, helps no one.


When many of the normal rules are suddenly changed I found it as alarming as you are incredulous to it happening.

Looking into this further is but one of my concerns.

To give a heads up ahead of time was my other main concern.
What good is a warning after the fact. That is a favorite tactic of arm chair generals.

I feel the respondsible thing to do is to ask first, decide later.

From what I do know, advance billing by contractors is now in effect so that they will be paid ahead of time for all services not yet rendered and are being allowed to keep all monies no matter as to the future status of their work, is being done as I speak. No more minimum payment or pay as you go policies are in effect.
In recent days and years past if there was money not spent they would extend the contract by 6 months or so. Now they just keep all unsed money automaticly.

As to who has ordered this fundamental change, I do not know, and neither do the 30 year government veterans I know.

In Rumsfeldian english, you know what you know and if any of this information you hear does not match what you know, it is normal to disbelieve it.
Anyway its not for you Q, it is for REAL investigative journalists.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 10:03 PM

Hmmm...Well. if your story's got legs, and you're sure, go with ANY and EVERY one who can get it out...you never know who's who behind a weird agenda. From the posts above, there seems to be some people thinking its just paranoia..but if it's not, and you can back it up, go for it!..you might never know, and/or be surprised who would pick it up...jeez, even Glenn Beck..who cares?

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 01:05 AM

The easiest way to come up with a motive is to put yourself in another's shoes. If I was an outside contractor for the Federal Government and the government might be facing a protracted shutdown, what would I want?
I would want a way to get paid as much as possible up front before a shutdown occured.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 01:32 AM

"From what I do know, advance billing by contractors is now in effect so that they will be paid ahead of time for all services not yet rendered and are being allowed to keep all monies no matter as to the future status of their work, is being done as I speak. No more minimum payment or pay as you go policies are in effect.
In recent days and years past if there was money not spent they would extend the contract by 6 months or so. Now they just keep all unsed money automaticly."

If you know all that you can also provide us with a source. Otherwise it is mongering.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Greg F.
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 09:08 AM

As I said above and now reiterate:

WE DON'T NEED NO STEENKING SOURCES!!

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 09:42 PM

I never wrap myself in a flag and there is nothing too sacred that I would not satirize, but you force me to the high road.

I may be alone on this but I believe deeply in my heart that protecting friends and acquaintences is a virtue. Protecting ones sources is the better part of valor, one in which honest people have been sent to jail for being in contempt of court for not revealing sources.


leave it to Ebbie to miss the whole point of being empathetic to each other all the way up to the nation at large.
Everyone I know is biased about something, but to be biased to the point that you would argue against raising a question? thats sad
I know of war mongering, I know of whore mongering. I even know of fish mongers.
But just plain mongering? Sometimes Ebbie, its seems you would probably go out of your way to hurt me in some way rather than help even if it required no effort what so ever. At any rate I envy your morning view.

.

BY the way being biased is not the opposite of being two faced ;-) (-:

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: artbrooks
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 10:50 PM

I believe she may have been thinking of rumor mongering.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Greg F.
Date: 31 Mar 11 - 09:17 AM

RUMOR mongering? Hey this evil conspiracy has gotta be true! I read it on the Internet!

And Government is the problem, not the solution, remember.

Can we combine this thread with the "Rember 9/11" thread for convenience & keep all the nutters in one place?

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 31 Mar 11 - 09:58 PM

Donuel: "BY the way being biased is not the opposite of being two faced ;-) (-:"

Nor 'Stereo politicians' speaking out of both sides of their mouths, have little to do with 'fidelity'!!!..It think they use overdrive, so everything comes out distorted!

Its original...you can use it...Regards,

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 05:45 PM

"If you know all that you can also provide us with a source. Otherwise it is mongering."

Meaning? This is how I used it:

mon·ger   /ˈmʌŋgər, ˈmɒŋ-/ Show Spelled
[muhng-ger, mong-] Show IPA

–noun
1. a person who is involved with something in a petty or contemptible way (usually used in combination): a gossipmonger.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 05:57 PM

http://www.blankromegr.com/index.cfm?contentID=37&itemID=374

According to this link, some contractors are paid up front and , should the government shut down for lack of funding, they will continue providing services because they have been paid.
Not sure if this means they have been paid IN FULL up front or not.

I guess the question is, does this up front full payment apply to ALL contractors or some who fall into a given category?

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 05:57 PM

As I pointed out, the OMB has had the power to pay in advance if it is in the government's best interests.

In other words, nothing new or variant here.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 10:14 PM

The state offices I have worked in always look at projected expenses and prepare a budget request based on that. I don't see a whole lot of difference.

Subject: RE: BS: I need help forwarding critical Gov info
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 05:53 PM

Nearly all government procurement requires a contract before work can be started or deliveries made.

If existing rules are followed, the contract includes the terms under which any progress payments are to be made, and if existing rules are followed properly the contract defines how the contractor will demonstrate that specific progress has been achieved before "progress payments" are made. It is probably unusual that the contractor can qualify to receive progress payments just by saying "well I've spent a lot of money so far so send me some."

There has always been significant latitude in what the contractor and the government are permitted to agree to do, but once the contract is signed, its agreements must be followed.

The failures in this system come from:

Not all contractors or all purchasing agents follow all the rules.

Not all contractors or all purchasing agents do a good enough job of following the rules to obtain the intended results. (I've seen a lot of really sloppy agreements.)

Nothing matters much if you've got a good relationship with an appropriately placed Senator or two, who can tack a rider on a bill to give you "the right special treatment."

Recently, "the right special treatment" seems to include cutting the budgets of regulators/oversight agencies to reduce their ability to monitor the contracts(?); but maybe that's just the way it looks and they really have our best interests at heart. All contractors are, after all, quite honest and will do what's best.

John