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
Fed, Wall Street prepare for default
Preparations are being made despite 'gut feeling' a deal will be struck, Fed official says.
Oversight
House GOP considers short-term debt-limit extension
White House has said it could accept a debt-limit extension of a few days if a larger agreement were already in the works.
Pay & Benefits
Law and Order
One group of feds is receiving enhanced retirement benefits these days.
Defense
GOP lawmaker balks at 'Gang of Six' defense cuts
House Armed Services Committee leader notes the proposal would require changes to military retirement and other benefits, a difficult issue on Capitol Hill.
Defense
From Nextgov: Pentagon official worries about implications of British hacking scandal
As the military expands the use of smartphones on the battlefield, the services pay a premium to secure them.
Oversight
Leaders looking to short-term solution to avert August default
White House suggests Obama might consider a short-term compromise; House GOP aide calls the idea a possibility until a larger deal is worked out.
News
Former comptroller adds another budget plan to debt crisis mix
David Walker presents two frameworks to deeply cut federal programs and agency budgets in installments or during crisis.
News
Federal unions decry agencies’ failure to develop labor partnerships
OPM agrees to name delinquent agencies and invite them to explain their delay in fulfilling requirements of a 2009 executive order.
Oversight