GovernmentExecutive.com

November 8

• The Earlybird: Headlines and Blog Posts

November 6

• Federal employees have fewer health insurance choices this year
• Former Defense acquisition chief warns against 'global war on contractors'
• From Nextgov.com: Bill to increase oversight of IT projects gets big boost from report
• House lawmakers seek to remove FEMA from Homeland Security
• Officials envision broader nutrition program
• Personnel agency cracks down on appointees 'burrowing' in
• Senate approves Commerce-Justice-Science spending bill, appoints conferees
• Senate leader aims for MilCon-VA passage Tuesday
• Senate passes bill to provide funding for Federal Executive Boards
• Troubling portrait emerges of Fort Hood suspect
• TSA report: Lawmaker erupted in flap over airport screening

November 5

• AP sources: Suicide eyed in Kentucky census worker case
• Army: Twelve dead in pair of attacks at Fort Hood
• From Nextgov.com: Defense: Open source software is more secure, yes more, than commercial code
• Gates-Holder letter might provide political cover for senators
• House votes on chemical bill set for Friday
• Job simulations could help agencies make better hires, report says
• Lockheed Martin chief sees leaner budgets, new priorities
• Managers discourage agencies from solo IT shopping
• Postal Service eyes options beyond layoffs and buyouts

November 4

• Acting GSA chief says agency is gaining clout
• DEA veteran to lead DHS drug enforcement
• From Nextgov.com: Cybersecurity regulator for energy has its own vulnerabilities
• Legislators clash over health care reform's impact on FEHBP
• Mullen: Afghanistan troop decision likely in a 'few weeks'
• Negotiators race the clock to finish spending legislation
• New alliance hopes to spur new talent in procurement field
• Texans mount campaign to keep Army truck contract

November 3

• Analysts: Ethics probe won't imperil Defense earmarks
• Army abruptly stops rollout of electronic dental record application
• Budget chief says administration is 'changing the culture in Washington'
• Critics call TSP mutual fund option risky
• Federal charity drive reaches out to young donors
• From Nextgov.com: White House's online contests for federal employees have roots in Virginia

November 2

• Audit: KBR must trim Iraq work force or face fines
• From Nextgov.com: Simply banning file-sharing software won't keep information safe from hackers
• Most TSP funds slip in October
• OPM chief: 'Cracks are showing' in the General Schedule
• Reagan Building's day care center offers range of services to feds
• Senator details plan for cybersecurity director
• Uncle Sam tends to federal families' well-being
• Wartime commission scrutinizes contractors' role in Iraq drawdown

October 30

• 18,000 employees accept Postal Service buyout
• Airport screening systems are not well tested, says GAO
• From Nextgov.com: Compliance focus is hampering cybersecurity, critics say
• Hidden cost hikes aren't new to federal benefits programs
• Lawmakers cry foul over Defense procurement debacle
• Lieberman sees need for cybersecurity czar
• Senate clears Interior bill, stopgap funding
• States report saving 640,000 jobs through Recovery Act

October 29

• Federal Protective Service moves out of immigration bureau
• From Nextgov.com: Hill grills DHS over delay in consolidating financial systems
• GAO faults effort to counter roadside bombs
• House advances on Interior spending bill, including CR
• House health care tax provisions are friendly to feds
• Officials commit to collaborate on performance-based budgeting

October 28

• Agencies to expedite electricity transmission permits on federal land
• Forum participants see 'urgency' in hiring reform
• From Nextgov.com: VA will turn to a contractor to reduce backlog of GI educational benefits
• Negotiators agree on plan to fund agencies through mid-December
• President signs bill repealing Defense personnel system
• Probe of intelligence notification lapses includes Pelosi's briefings
• SBA proposes major revisions to small business contracting program
• Senator: Pentagon must make painful spending adjustments
• Senators clash over Homeland Security management nominee
• Senators express concern about administration's contracting guidance

October 27

• Corrections
• FEMA is unable to measure funding benefits
• From Nextgov.com: Government breaks new ground in Web site satisfaction
• Official: Hill was not informed of other intelligence activities
• OMB calls for 5 percent growth in civilian acquisition workforce
• Rain doesn't deter feds from fitness campaign kickoff
• Review finds Sept. 11 Potomac exercise was a bad idea
• Unions express concern over new draft of labor-management order
• West Point privatization plan expected to be canceled

October 26

• Administration replaces beleaguered director of Defense agency
• AP Source: Three DEA agents killed in Afghan crash
• Classes, service projects offer personal growth opportunities
• Congress in no rush to cut mail delivery
• Cooking classes teach feds the ingredients of a strong immune system
• Draft climate change bill puts USDA in lead on emissions
• Forward Observer: Atonement
• From Nextgov.com: VA to deploy automated tool to speed up vets' education benefits
• OMB contracting guidance expected to be released this week
• Prospects for higher federal raise remain murky
• Report: FBI not reviewing all of its evidence

October 23

• Coast Guard authorization bill clears House
• FEHBP open season nears as Congress considers major health care reform
• From Nextgov.com: DHS information-sharing initiative stalls due to privacy concerns
• Group asks administration to measure results of stimulus projects
• House probe of CIA briefings moves to hearing stage
• NSPS repeal could lead to new performance management system, observers say
• Stopgap measure might hitch a ride on Interior spending bill

October 22

• Appropriator expects Defense bill to pay for 10 more C-17s
• From Nextgov.com: GSA awards $99 million contract for IT support to combat drug trafficking
• GAO gives thumbs down to West Point outsourcing
• House panel OKs consumer protection agency
• Lawmakers eye new spending extension
• OPM extends window for long-term insurance changes
• Report: Rebate needed for Baghdad embassy work
• Senate sends bill ending Pentagon pay system to president's desk

October 21

• Federal Labor Relations Authority beefs up training efforts
• From Nextgov.com: The young trust government, not the market, to protect their privacy
• Lawmakers say Senate health care bill could hit feds with new taxes
• McCain vows to hold up labor board nominee
• Senate sends Homeland Security spending bill to Obama
• Senators bemoan H1N1 vaccine shortages
• State Department employee accused of taking bribes
• USDA restructures management offices

October 20

• Army makes progress on plan for next combat vehicle
• Critics take aim at pending spending bills
• Defense has vested interest in tracking flu
• From Nextgov.com: IRS slow reaction to bounced checks costs treasury $20 million
• Governors protest changes to FEMA grant programs
• Half of stimulus contract spending falls into risky categories
• House majority leader 'frustrated' by slow pace in Senate
• Merit board nominees pledge to rebuild workforce, boost efficiency

October 19

• Agencies challenge employees to lead a healthier lifestyle
• Deputy secretary asserts control over Agriculture budget
• Federal scientist arrested on spy charges
• From Nextgov.com: Information security budgets generally dodge effects of downturn
• No increase is planned for first-class postage
• Public-private pay gap rises in 2009
• Senate aide says cybersecurity bill is moving
• Special Report: Balancing Act

October 16

• Afghanistan is Obama's war now
• Former Bush official is sentenced to one year in prison
• From Nextgov.com: Military retiree launches online Army Family Support Center
• GAO: Debt could break record in 10 years
• Legislation would keep kids in FEHBP longer
• Park Service finalizes policy limiting snowmobile access in Yellowstone
• SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission issue oversight recommendations

October 15

• Contractors report generating tens of thousands of jobs under stimulus
• Defense secretary weighs whether to urge veto of authorization bill
• Democrats thwart GOP bid to stop Gitmo transfers
• From Nextgov.com: DHS proposes standards for how the private sector should prepare for disasters
• Lack of Social Security COLA could adversely affect some federal workers
• Lawmakers see room for improvement in DHS diversity efforts
• Officials say cost of domestic partner benefits is affordable
• Senate passes Energy and Water spending bill
• Senator looks to clear spending deck before healthcare debate starts
• Staff shortages linked to Defense audit agency problems
• Survey: How Healthy Is Your Workplace?

October 14

• Barofsky cites Treasury 'failure' on bonuses
• Bid to cut off debate on Commerce-Justice spending bill fails
• CBO forecasts rising Defense costs
• From Nextgov.com: Industry group meets to consider upgrading VA patient record system
• Navy sets ambitious energy goals
• Recession helps military recruiters reach 36-year high
• Senators blast long-term care insurance premium hikes
• Series of acquisition regulation changes announced

October 13

• Forward Observer: Through Iran's Eyes
• From Nextgov.com: House panel plans cybersecurity training for members and staff
• Grand jury issues subpoena to former Interior chief
• Hill sends mixed signals to imagery firms
• In a skeptical age, Obama is government's face
• Recovery Act contracting data set for release
• TSA works to reduce attrition among top staff

October 9

• Both workplace benefits and demands exceed the norm at NRC
• From Nextgov.com: Treasury improves communications about financial bailout program, GAO says
• Generals want faster, focused procurement
• Insurance providers drop out of federal employee health program
• Interagency debate over FAS role heats up
• New USDA research agency already wants more money
• Obama looks to increase hiring of disabled workers
• Pentagon extends Army, Marine deployments in Iraq
• Report says government should focus on quality of contracting competition
• Senate sends Agriculture spending bill to Obama

October 8

• Cost of 2010 census remains elusive, officials tell panel
• Defense policy bill has major implications for contractors
• Deficit triples in fiscal 2009, reaches 10 percent of GDP
• From Nextgov.com: VA looks to Web 2.0 technologies to improve management
• House approves agreement on Pentagon pay-for-performance, sick leave benefit
• McCain rebuffed on PBS construction funds
• Panel debates future of Fannie, Freddie

October 7

• Authorizers agree to end F-22 program
• Compromise Defense policy measure advances retirement reforms
• Congress moves to repeal Pentagon pay-for-performance system
• Experts say policy 'czars' fall within presidential authority
• From Nextgov.com: Intelligence e-mail shut down prompts concerns about other collaboration tools
• Obama administration launches program evaluation effort
• Senate again rejects C-17 cut, approves spending bill

October 6

• Agencies avoid flexibilities in firing poor performers
• Agencies surpass Recovery Act small business contracting goals
• DHS announces immigration detention reforms
• From Nextgov.com: Agencies to spend more on IT in 2010, but not on new projects
• Key authorizers back second F-35 engine
• Obama is unlikely to trim his aggressive agenda

October 5

• Defense chief offers indirect criticism of general
• From Nextgov.com: Agencies will be expected to measure transparency results
• Homeland Security to bring 3,200 contractor positions in-house
• Panels confront notification, satellite issues
• Performance chief promises to help managers overcome challenges
• Procurement nominee earns high marks from acquisition community

October 2

• From Nextgov.com: Terrorists nearing ability to launch big cyberattacks against U.S.
• Navy chief sets intelligence reorganization
• Senate bill would protect contractor whistleblowers
• Senate work on Defense bill will spill into next week
• Survey: Feds beat private sector on vision, lag on management
• Transition begins to new long-term care contract

October 1

• Border fence, detainee issues dominate debate
• From Nextgov.com: Homeland Security authorized to hire up to 1,000 cybersecurity specialists
• More troops for Afghanistan might not be possible anytime soon
• Obama prohibits feds from texting while driving
• Obama signs bill to keep agencies running
• Proposal to end federal health plan is off the table
• Senate breaks with Obama, favors buying more C-17s
• Transportation chief defends stimulus spending efforts
• TSP funds continue to rally in September
• Watchdog: Stopgap spending measures tie agencies' hands

September 30

• From Nextgov.com: Homeland Security kicks off final strategy dialogue
• Key players debate how to lower prescription drug costs for feds
• NASA scientist pleads guilty to directing contracts to wife's firm
• Senators clash over C-17 funding
• Threat from domestic terrorists in sharper focus
• VA to continue work on energy efficiency

September 29

• Federal employees' health insurance premiums to rise 8.8 percent
• Forward Observer: Obama the Pragmatist
• From Nextgov.com: Defense to allow troops, family members to use social network sites
• Gimme My Discount!
• More senior executives are earning bigger bonuses
• Senate has full plate with Defense and stopgap spending bills
• Senator urges caution in consolidating contracting databases
• The Short List: Key Federal Management Jobs
• Treasury pushes for resolution authority
• Watchdog attorney is likely choice to run procurement policy shop

September 28

• Army advised to improve strategy for transfer of logistics work
• Bill could offset Medicare premium increases for federal retirees
• Border fence stalls fiscal 2010 spending bill
• From Nextgov.com: Obama administration unveils Recovery.gov makeover
• Groups hail nomination of IP coordinator
• Lawmaker battles distrust of census
• Wars stretch Army and Marine Corps particularly thin

September 25

• Committee leader scales back proposal to end FEHBP
• Controversy over policy czars is misplaced, scholars say
• From Nextgov.com: Michigan unveils strategy to garner stimulus IT funds
• GAO: Defense contractors are complying with ethics rules
• House lawmakers discourage extension of bank bailout
• House passes stopgap bill, deal reached
• Most NSPS employees headed for full 2010 pay raise
• Senate approves Interior spending bill
• White House objects to extra C-17 planes

September 24

• Cost of administering the TSP to increase in 2010
• DHS will discuss realignment of intelligence office
• From Nextgov.com: NIST releases more development standards for smart electric grid
• Gala recognizes top civil servants
• Head of House seapower panel endorses Navy LCS plan
• Interior launches ethics program
• Lawmakers will focus on spending bills next week
• Officials poised to launch tanker contest
• OMB will create new performance management framework for agencies
• Telework expansion could save money and diversify hiring pool, officials say

September 23

• Air traffic controllers approve new contract
• DCAA called out again over mismanagement
• From Nextgov.com: IRS continues to pay millions to process paper tax returns
• GAO says State Department needs to revisit hardship pay
• House aims for Thursday vote on stopgap spending bill
• Justice official keeps mum on privacy rights
• Proposal would end federal health benefits plan
• Senate is set to limit funding for White House czars
• White House kicks off budget-cutting contest for federal employees

September 22

• From Nextgov.com: Immigration service revamps Web site to offer more interactive tools
• IG finds scattered workforce issues at Defense audit agency
• Obama appoints new members to labor-management panel
• Panel sees mounting bioterror risk
• Senate tees up Defense spending bill
• Small business reps accuse big contractors of pulling a 'bait-and-switch'
• Trade group concerned about insourcing mandate
• White House stepping up defense of consumer agency

September 21

• Charitable giving touted as a way to improve feds' image
• From Nextgov.com: TSA employees are well-informed on privacy issues, watchdog says
• Government management of real property improves slightly, report says
• House to take up stopgap spending bill
• IG blasts management of Energy's classified information network
• Swine flu vaccine looks promising for children

September 18

• Bill would let firms that outgrow their size status retain set-aside contracts
• EEOC to review agencies' work on bias complaints
• From Nextgov.com: IRS pays millions in interest for delays in processing high-dollar refunds
• Senate approves $122 billion transportation, housing spending bill
• Spending bill amendment takes aim at 'czars'

September 17

• From Nextgov.com: Agents crippled by delays in technology deployment along Southwest border
• Government urged to check how contractors treat their employees
• Homeland Security to review stimulus spending on borders
• Interior creates regional centers to cope with climate change
• McHugh confirmed as Army secretary
• Navy restructures ship program in effort to reduce costs
• Telework increasing steadily but slowly, OPM says

September 16

• Defense secretary lets Air Force run tanker contest
• From Nextgov.com: System to check worker eligibility for federal contractors running smoothly
• Interior secretary cancels royalty-in-kind program
• Lawmakers urge uniform pay policies for deployed civilians
• New long-range strike aircraft still on Air Force's radar
• Nominee lays out priorities for federal financial management
• Task force proposes new three-level alert system

September 15

• Air Force to issue draft request for new tankers soon
• Berry: OPM is ahead of schedule on security clearance reforms
• From Nextgov.com: Top CIO unveils cloud computing storefront
• Government lags behind broadcasters in using video
• Legal Services Corporation employees vote to unionize
• Mullen: Afghan war needs 'more resources'
• Top admiral affirms commitment to 313-ship fleet
• Watchdog: Inadequate staffing has hampered oversight of DHS technology procurement

September 14

• Draft rule opens long-term care, leave programs to domestic partners
• Forward Observer: A Second Chance
• From Nextgov.com: Lawmakers join forces on cybersecurity legislation
• Labor group opposes Senate pay-for-performance language
• Official: E-Verify changes are in the works
• Recovery Board announces schedule for data release
• Senate majority leader slows action on GSA nominee
• State urged to cancel Kabul embassy security contract

September 11

• 'Routine' Coast Guard exercise sparks alarm
• Committee agrees to open door to possible F-22 exports
• Energy Savings Performance Contracts don't measure up, IG finds
• From Nextgov.com: Army to buy e-mail system that could be expanded across Pentagon
• H1N1 vaccine expected in mid-October
• Report finds room for improvement in Recovery Act transparency
• Senate confirms key regulatory nominee
• Senator urges faster buildup of Afghan forces
• Treasury chief signals administration will renew TARP program
• USDA will debut new version of online learning platform

September 10

• Con artists exploit the Recovery Act
• Energy improves Recovery Act reporting, IG says
• From Nextgov.com: Government works toward a more proactive cybersecurity approach
• Researchers pursue new anthrax vaccine
• TSA workforce reform bill takes another step forward

September 9

• Defense opposes cuts in funding for civilian Air Force personnel
• From Nextgov.com: Program to track citizen border crossings exceeds expectations
• Homeland Security breaks ground at new headquarters
• Nominees for key Homeland Security posts remain unconfirmed
• Senate panel backs F-22, F-35 engine cuts
• Ten administration officials granted exceptions to ethics rule

September 8

• Disputed E-Verify rules go into effect
• From Nextgov.com: Report gives Obama administration mixed review on secrecy practices
• Hoyer: Stopgap spending measure will be necessary
• Kabul embassy whistleblower's resignation raises questions
• Telework experiments can breed acceptance, observers say
• U.S. security requires action on climate change, bipartisan group says

September 4

• Bill would set lab security standards
• Embassy fires security guards over appearance in vulgar photos
• From Nextgov.com: CMS provides guidance to states on stimulus grants for health IT
• Government outlines plan for contractor performance database
• Union leaders make NSPS repeal, personnel reform major priorities

September 3

• Agencies cut back on travel
• Biden wants Recovery Act business practices to become routine
• Chertoff: No politics in terror alert system
• From Nextgov.com: Navy to form directorate to manage info, cyber and space capabilities
• VA is on call to administer swine flu vaccinations

September 2

• Budget analysts put price tag on TSA pay overhaul
• Coalition asks court to halt E-Verify
• Feds battle marijuana growers on public land
• From Nextgov.com: Varied questions drawn from troops in virtual town hall meetings
• Senior agency leaders focus on measuring success of their programs
• Study forecasts hiring surge in critical government jobs

September 1

• Energy, Treasury announce first clean energy project awards
• From Nextgov.com: Wealthy, well-educated more likely to engage in online civic activities
• Small businesses make modest contracting gains
• TSP funds recover more slowly in August
• Watchdog alleges abuses of Afghanistan security contract

August 31

• Civilian agency contract spending continues to climb
• Feds reach agreement with landowners for Sept. 11 memorial
• From Nextgov.com: Administration has yet to make proposed security policy revisions public
• Many Recovery Act contracts fall into high-risk category
• Obama stands firm on 2 percent civilian pay hike

August 28

• CBP to continue searches of travelers' laptops
• Defense review should set energy reduction targets, report says
• From Nextgov.com: NASA could outsource flights and insource IT
• OPM urges agencies to review age limits for new hires
• White House, scientists discuss biological threats

August 27

• Air Force dangles bonuses to keep contracting officers
• Budget office predicts hiring reforms would cost $40 million
• FCC to launch social networking site
• From Nextgov.com: Agencies frustrated with unclear guidance on reducing external IT network connections
• Technology companies encourage feds to shut down computers

August 26

• Contractor reports of violations flowing into Defense IG's office
• Defense officials prepare for H1N1 flu
• From Nextgov.com: Feds get tips on social media outreach
• Impact of Kennedy loss on health care debated
• OPM proposes new leave policies for pandemics, family care

August 25

• From Nextgov.com: Agencies must make high-risk cyber threats top priority, DHS officials say
• IG: Energy employees violated purchase card rules at Yucca Mountain
• Panel recommends major changes to Pentagon pay system
• Postal Service to offer buyouts
• Report on CIA interrogations provokes strong response

August 24

• Former top Labor official charged in Abramoff investigation
• From Nextgov.com: OMB requires agencies to submit FISMA reports via online tool
• Government per diem rates get boost in fiscal 2010
• Group finds earmarks drop in fiscal 2010 appropriations
• OPM decides to keep application form on USAJobs
• Vetting vexes State Department

August 21

• Congress weighs program to groom Defense civilian leaders
• From Nextgov.com: Obama's e-health agenda receives cash infusion
• HHS announces plans for research on specific medical conditions
• Hill balks at most Obama budget cuts
• Small businesses win smaller share of federal contracts in fiscal 2008
• Yucca Mountain funding nears its demise

August 20

• Administration says it is committed to posting contracts online
• Battle brewing over command authority
• From Nextgov.com: IG reports detail abuses in hiring, travel, bonuses at VA technology office
• New FDA facility will oversee tobacco regulation
• Proposals to split SES and eliminate review boards spark debate
• Senators seek funds for 12 more C-17s

August 19

• Cabinet secretaries issue swine flu guidelines
• From Nextgov.com: USDA unit bans browsers other than Internet Explorer
• MSPB says vet's case against federal internship program has legal merit
• OPM creates office to oversee the Senior Executive Service
• SBA and Commerce will expand outreach to small and minority-owned firms
• Stimulus reporting registration off to a smooth start
• Strong management will be critical to health care reform
• Timing of Senate food safety bill is uncertain

August 18

• Administration says public option still possible
• Defense contractors brace for life without supplemental bills
• From Nextgov.com: Upcoming migration to Windows 7 could be a headache for most agencies
• HHS says grassroots efforts to fight Medicare fraud have paid off
• Panelists call for change in human resources workforce and mission
• Pork producers seek extra help from a wary USDA

August 17

• Appropriators, Obama agree on program terminations
• Army readies draft of modernization plan
• From Nextgov.com: Is administration more interested in transparency of Congress?
• Pentagon Web site redesigned to appeal to younger audience
• TSP reforms boost enrollment

August 14

• CBO: Federal Executive Boards would need more money under legislative proposal
• Customs reauthorization bill picking up support
• From Nextgov.com: Complexity of Networx offerings causes delays
• Funding fight sparks debate on Peace Corps' future
• Obama labor relations proposal draws praise
• Obama submits plan to pay for troops
• Registration for stimulus money recipients starts on Aug. 17

August 13

• Former procurement chief offers plan for expediting stimulus contracts
• From Nextgov.com: VA likely to miss deadline to process education benefits claims
• Homeland Security seeks to expedite Gulf Coast recovery through arbitration
• Justice sues bulletproof vest manufacturer for false claims
• Momentum builds for Postal Service relief
• Overhaul opponents highlight turf battles
• Panel orders FAA to set new controller pay scales
• Pilot projects could be the key to speeding discrimination complaint processing
• Text of mediation panel's decision

August 12

• Agencies ramp up student loan repayments
• Answers sought on Minn. flight delay
• Defense audit agency shifts control of California field office to Central Region
• Defense budget portends difficult trade-offs
• Defense says extensive outsourcing on Iraq linguist contract is jacking up costs
• From Nextgov.com: Agencies' struggle over control of cybersecurity overblown, say DHS officials
• OPM finalizes hiring preferences for military spouses

August 11

• Contracting panel calls Defense oversight agencies' relationship 'dysfunctional'
• From Nextgov.com: GSA's new chief acquisition officer to wear multiple hats
• House will return to a packed agenda
• Immigration enforcement agency to overhaul detention system
• OPM withdraws rule that would have allowed faster promotions
• Spending bills are filling the Senate's fall calendar

August 10

• From Nextgov.com: State deploys low tech social media to reach those without computers
• IG questions Energy technology transfer program
• Judiciary Committee chairman faults administration on refugees
• Lawmakers renew push for public service scholarships
• Obama: Border bill is on table for 2010
• Panel to probe contractor business systems, rules on subcontracting