Author Archive

Paul W. Singer

Features

The Wrong War

The insistence on applying Cold War metaphors to cybersecurity is misplaced and counterproductive.

Management

Unfinished spending measure complicates release of fiscal 2008 budget

OMB official discusses complexities, says confrontations over the new budget may be more public with Democrats in control of Congress.

Management

Congressional staff members gather tips on oversight

Groups are offering advice to help legislators make good on promises for more aggressive reviews of executive branch activities.

News

Allegations of cronyism, misdeeds leave labor panel under cloud

Executive director departs suddenly after investigators suggest he engaged in illegal lobbying activities, denies any wrongdoing.

Defense

Commerce secretary works to help tourism industry

Carlos Gutierrez is bringing industry’s concerns to the State and Homeland Security departments.

Defense

FEMA acknowledges possibility of longer trailer park stays

Agreement with nonprofit will allow a community center to open at one Gulf Coast site; group hopes more will follow.

Management

EPA requires justification for fully competitive contracts

Agencies typically defer to full and open competition and grant set-asides on a case-by-case basis.

Defense

FEMA bulks up on supplies, systems for tracking them

Despite improvements, strategy emphasizing federal decision-making may continue to hinder disaster response, skeptics say.

Defense

DHS seeks to better serve disaster victims with disabilities

Council working to ensure announcements in emergency shelters reach people who do not hear or see, among other things.

Defense

Government continues to subsidize building in hurricane-prone areas

At the federal level, however, more thought is being given to discouraging development along high-risk stretches of coastline.

Management

White House working to better coordinate ocean research

More than 20 agencies and 140 federal laws rule the oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.

Management

Lobbyists seek to broker deals with agencies

Even former FEMA director Michael Brown is in on the business of helping contractors sell products to the government.

News

FEMA works to keep trailer parks temporary

Agency tries to prevent Katrina victims from getting too comfortable in temporary housing, so they’ll be ready to leave within 18 months.

Management

OMB seeks feedback on risk assessment guidelines

New governmentwide rules are aimed at promoting sound science and transparency.

Management

Agencies tackle massive Gulf Coast waste removal challenge

EPA, Army Corps and contractors involved in effort to safely dispose of at least 90 million cubic yards of rubble.

News

SBA slammed for Katrina delays

As of late November, agency had approved just 472 of 18,080 applications for loans to offset physical damage.

Management

Gaps remain in government strategy for handling natural disasters

Plans aren’t comprehensive enough and are too reactive, observers say.

Defense

Air Force rejects benefits for 'Air America' employees

Pilots for CIA-run secret airline who flew clandestine missions in Southeast Asia had sought retirement benefits.

News

Energy recycles conservation initiative

Campaign to encourage energy conservation--featuring a "spokes-villain" called the "Energy Hog"--dates back to 2002.

Management

The Decision Makers: Office of Management and Budget

A look at the top leaders of the agency that coordinates the administration's procurement, financial management, information and regulatory policies.