Davis asks OMB to act against TCE

Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) has asked Karen Evans, administrator of e-government and information technology at the Office of Management and Budget, to intercede in the Treasury Department's determination to award its own telecommunications contract, the Treasury Communications Enterprise vehicle.

In the letter sent today, Davis does not specify what kind of intercession he is seeking. The letter reiterates Davis' strong support of the General Services Administration's Networx contract, and his opposition to Treasury's planned TCE vehicle.

"For nearly two years, I have been unwavering in my position on TCE," Davis wrote. TCE "runs contrary to a vision that I and many in Congress share -- that our government needs an efficient, well-managed communications environment. This has never been truer than in today's complex world where our nation finds itself at war and government communications requirements stand as critical."

In contrast to his reaction to Treasury, Davis praised the Homeland Security Department, which has publicly announced its intention to use Networx as its primary communications acquisition vehicle.

Davis referred to a recent report from the Treasury inspector general that faulted the agency for not having an adequate business case and for not performing a coherent cost analysis comparing TCE to GSA vehicles.

The IG recommended Treasury consider canceling the TCE solicitation. "Notwithstanding these difficulties, Treasury has insisted on plowing ahead with the acquisition yet another time," Davis wrote.

Davis has previously pledged to stop TCE in the appropriations process.

An OMB representative acknowledged receipt of the letter, but declined to comment further.