Tech
From Nextgov: E-neighborhood watch program spreads to half of states
Initiative teaches law enforcement officers across different jurisdictions to share tips on potential threats in a standard, searchable format.
Oversight
Agencies lack clear guidance on telework during emergencies, report says
Watchdog identifies problems with IT, personnel readiness related to federal telework and continuity of government operations.
Oversight
Merit board wants to know if favoritism is fading
Agency launches survey to collect feedback on managers’ ability to make objective calls on pay and promotions. Take our poll to share your views.
Oversight
Senator moves to end minting of largely ignored presidential coins
Vitter bill would shut down Mint’s multiyear production of commemorative $1 pieces that mostly sit in warehouses.
Defense
Panetta jokes about his colorful remarks during swearing-in ceremony
New Pentagon head compares himself to Biden.
News
Poll: Playing Favorites
Is your manager giving his or her buddies a let up on pay or promotions?
Oversight
Not close to a debt deal yet, Boehner says after GOP meeting
House Republicans say a short-term debt ceiling extension is likely coming.
Oversight
Senate votes down GOP 'cut, cap and balance' plan
Bill would have required slashing spending by more than $100 billion in fiscal 2012 and amending the constitution.
Pay & Benefits
Safety Net
An in-depth look at annuity and insurance options for providing survivor benefits.
Defense
Homeland Security relying more on fixed-price contracts, report says
Small businesses winning a healthy proportion as the department’s awards shift from disaster response to IT and defense, think tank data show.
Oversight
House Republicans, White House discussing $3 trillion budget deal
Lack of immediate tax revenue could be a nonstarter for many Democrats.
Oversight
Senate to vote Friday on cut, cap and balance' bill
Talks between House Republicans and the White House on a larger deficit reduction package are also continuing.
Defense
Cuts should target Defense before food stamps, Obama tells NPR
The president says proposed changes to Medicare are “modest” and intended to “retain the integrity of the program” for years to come.
Tech
From Nextgov: Minding the debt . . . and the desktops, too
The Bureau of Public Debt has a substantial sideline providing IT services to other federal agencies.
Defense
Watchdog groups call for cuts to Defense health benefits, contract spending
Proposal offers ‘conservative’ savings in raising TRICARE fees and slashing service contracting.
News
The Week in Comments: The debt ceiling, TSP finances and more budget proposals
The best in reader reaction to recent articles.
Oversight
Foreign affairs group urges State to go after more staff
Department must be aggressive in seeking funding for additional positions, despite budget constraints, report says.
Pay & Benefits
Union fights back against proposed cuts to pay and benefits
NTEU launches public awareness campaign to underscore importance of government service.
Oversight