President Barack Obama ordered a government-wide review of the federal contracting system on Wednesday.

Obama said he wanted to increase competition for contracts and limit "no-bid" contracts at federal agencies. It's not clear how this might affect Alaska Native corporations and tribal and Indian-owned small businesses, all of whom benefit from sole-source contracts.

"Reports by agency Inspectors General, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and other independent reviewing bodies have shown that noncompetitive and cost-reimbursement contracts have been misused, resulting in wasted taxpayer resources, poor contractor performance, and inadequate accountability for results," Obama's memorandum to agencies said.

Get the Story:
President Orders Review of Federal Contracting System (The Washington Post 3/5)
Obama to Change Contract Awarding (The New York Times 3/5)

Relevant Documents:
Fact Sheet: Reforming Government Contracting | Priorities -- Not lining the pockets of contractors | Presidential Memorandum

Related Stories:
GAO calls for more oversight of Alaska Native contracts (4/28)