Defense

OMB requires new acquisition certification for managers

Under three-tier system, program and project managers will get training and certification for procurement-related work.

Management

Science agencies' media policy draws fire

Policy prevents scientists at two agencies from making personal statements in interviews on federal property or during work hours.

Defense

Lawmakers hear flurry of reasons for failure in Iraqi police training

Lack of training in civil subjects, stresses on staffing and poor contract oversight blamed for setbacks.

News

Army Corps IT workforce to shrink 60 percent in overhaul

Agency official says increased efficiency will come from standardization, centralization.

Management

Bill would bar tax delinquents from federal contracting

OMB opposes measure, saying it would short-circuit suspension and debarment rules.

Defense

Senators question millions in defense firm's award fees

KBR received generous payments despite criticisms almost every month relating to costs and contract management.

Management

Settlement allows Army Corps to shift IT work

Losing bidder Northrop Grumman had appealed decision to award work to team made up of federal employees and contractors from Lockheed Martin.

Management

NASA waiver to job competition rules brings in more outsiders

Nonagency bidders won 89 percent of new research and development awards under special competition procedure.

Management

Clinton’s management ideas echo ‘reinventing government’ effort

Observers welcome early focus on federal management, look for details on proposal to trim 500,000 contractors.

Tech

IRS seeks to guide taxpayers to Internet and phone help

Plan would aim to preserve access to face-to-face consultations, but expand use of less costly services.

Defense

Fate of Treasury contracting shop remains in limbo

Contractors and customers express concern over service continuity; Army medical centers among FedSource customers.

Management

Smithsonian problems include $2.5 billion maintenance, repair list

High-profile members of the institution's oversight board may not be able to put in the necessary time and attention, senator says.

Management

Union leader advocates more resources for IRS, better use

Agency budget contains legislative proposals aimed at taking a $29 billion bite into the tax gap over 10 years.

Management

Industry fights measure to bar contractors for immigration violations

Senate-passed spending bill contains language that would penalize contractors breaking immigration laws for up to 10 years.

Management

Bush sidesteps Congress to appoint labor relations, regulatory nominees

Recess appointment brings a Democrat to three-person board adjudicating disputes between unions and agencies.

Management

OMB readies new guidance on measuring job competition savings

Agency official says public-private competitions in 2006 are expected to generate $800 million in savings over five years.

Management

Labor, Transportation, VA win kudos for performance reports

Officials discuss possibility of requiring agencies to include more performance information in budget justification documents.

Management

Rule would require contractors to report tax debts

Unpaid taxes would be grounds for suspension or debarment if rule becomes law.

Management

Audit finds few problems with IRS outsourcing program

Lawmakers push to cancel program; updated program revenues might not be available before more contracts are signed.

Management

Interior seeks to settle Indian trust fund disputes for $7 billion

Litigants say proposal is unacceptable, object to the bundling of a class action suit with tribal cases.