In Federal Computer Week’s annual Federal List issue, we look at the organizations that are influential in the government information technology community. In this issue, our Power Players list highlights influential people. Many of them are influential partly because of the positions they hold. But often such people hold those positions because of the influence they have. But no one is on the list solely because of the position he or she holds.

In addition to the 12 people listed here, more Power Players are featured in the magazine’s Technology, Business, Management and Policy sections.

These rankings are subjective. Agree? Disagree? Let us know why…and who we might have missed. Send your comments to powerplayers@fcw.com.

10. Paul Denett
Position: Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy
Tenure: Sworn into office Sept. 28
What he has done: Most of Paul Denett’s power lies in his position and his potential. Although Denett has been the Office of Federal Procurement Policy’s administrator for only a few weeks, many people have great hope — partially because he is not David Safavian. The former OFPP administrator resigned days before police arrested him on charges related to the Jack Abramoff investigation. That backdrop does not diminish Denett’s distinguished résumé, which features significant procurement posts in government and industry. Given the tumultuous tenures of recent OFPP administrators, Denett should provide some fresh insights.

Challenges ahead: Government procurement has had a rough few years. Although unrelated to his OFPP post and work, Safavian’s arrest has provided political fodder. Other high-profile problems related to Hurricane Katrina relief contracting have been difficult. And the congressional leadership may change hands in November. If the House goes to the Democrats, longtime procurement reform proponent Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) would lose his seat as chairman of the House Government Reform Committee. That could change the procurement landscape and make Denett’s job much more interesting.