Defense

Defense plans to be big user of GSA’s Networx contract

Defense Information Systems Agency officials say they plan to shift from the existing FTS 2001 telecommunications system to Networx along with other federal agencies.

Defense

Navy rolls out new workforce strategy

Service hopes to set an example for the federal government in recruiting and retaining talent.

Defense

Report notes progress at DHS privacy office

Remaining challenges include issuing timely reports and updating public notices for old databases.

Defense

Senators offer bill to delay security rules for Canadian border

Legislation would require DHS to evaluate a test program in Washington state to determine if enhanced drivers licenses could be used to meet the new requirements.

Defense

GAO: Navy needs more contracting discipline

Bad procurement decisions hurt development of new Navy SEAL vessel, reviewers say.

Defense

Panel backs whistleblower rights for Defense contractors

An amendment to the 2008 Defense authorization bill seeks to give contract workers the same protections as federal employees.

Defense

Investigative panel targeting pollution at military bases

Probe will focus on Camp Lejeune, but could extend to other military-controlled hazardous waste sites.

Defense

Senate panel moves to scale back Pentagon personnel system

Armed Services Committee votes to repeal portions of the Pentagon's personnel system, amid rigorous lobbying from federal labor unions.

Defense

OPM pushes Homeland Security to move on pay for performance

Department has made progress on personnel reforms, but should begin basing pay on quality of work, report says.

Defense

Defense purchases of services rise sharply

GAO auditors say competition and contract oversight are important to secure best deals for the Pentagon.

Defense

Congress sends wartime funding bill to Bush

Measure drops timelines for withdrawing troops from combat zones, replacing them with 18 benchmarks for the Iraqi government to demonstrate progress.

Defense

Senate panel approves intelligence authorization measure

Bill would require the disclosure of the overall funding requested, authorized and appropriated for intelligence.

Defense

Senator keeps program for alternate fighter jet engine alive

Proponent of second engine argues competition will result in savings and a better final product.

Defense

Army stockpiles, destroys WMD antidotes in Iraq

Millions of dollars worth of drugs are incinerated under policy stemming from belief that Saddam Hussein stockpiled weapons of mass destruction.

Defense

Panel to pave way for massive bio-defense facility

Bill would allow DHS to enter into a contract and begin construction on a state-of-the-art research center.

Defense

McCain seeks limits on Pentagon’s use of multiyear contracts

Proponents of the approach say savings are significant and worthwhile; critics argue such arrangements hinder oversight.

Defense

Key senators reject proposal for stand-alone FEMA

Leaders of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs panel are opposed to another overhaul of the emergency response agency.

Defense

Senate panel to boost funding for Army future combat program

Increase would mark a departure from the House, which passed language last week that would slice $867 million from the program.

Defense

Lawmaker says Pentagon uncooperative in probe of Iraq forces

Subcommittee has faced "considerable difficulties" getting information and documents from the Defense Department, chairman says.

Defense

Oversight of Iraq reconstruction winding down

IG office will publish investigations of key companies and government contracting operations before closing shop at the end of 2008.