Tech
From Nextgov: Satellite and aircraft images play key role in battle against massive Arizona fire
High-tech tools help managers plan where to set backfires, place bulldozers to clear fire lines, drop retardant by helicopter and position nearly 200 fire engines.
Pay & Benefits
Agency contributions to federal pension plans will rise in October
Employee payments will remain the same, but the total cost to government will increase, according to OPM estimates.
Oversight
FCC: Should the government save the media?
Study recommends more disclosure from broadcasters.
Oversight
IRS commissioner warns against cutting his budget
Shulman tells Senate panel his agency collects $200 for every $1 invested in enforcement, IT and management systems.
News
Chief of the Year: Information Security
Jerry Davis, deputy assistant secretary for information security, Veterans Affairs.
Defense
National Counterterrorism Center head to leave
Michael Leiter served in the Bush and Obama administrations.
Oversight
Third rating company threatens to downgrade U.S. credit
Fitch Ratings says it will put the United States on watch.
Pay & Benefits
Place Particulars
Alaska and Hawaii get their own locality pay, OPM designates 15 states as medically underserved and lawmakers look at veteran benefits.
Defense
From Nextgov: Marines buying $880 million worth of PCs, laptops and tablet computers
Service aims to acquire more than 400,000 computers in five years.
Defense
FEMA’s fraud unit plans to staff up
In response to IG recommendation, the agency will boost workforce to help prevent and investigate malfeasance.
Oversight
Obama government reorganization plan nearing release
OMB’s Zients draws ideas from watchdogs’ report on improving trade competitiveness.
News
Unions push back on TSA budget cuts
A measure sponsored by Rep. Todd Rokita, R-Ind., that would prohibit collective bargaining for airport screeners draws labor opposition.
Defense
Potential envoy offers sober outlook on Afghanistan
Nominee tells lawmakers the Afghan government led by President Hamid Karzai faces enormous challenges that could upend American efforts in the country.
Defense
Troop withdrawal could trigger economic depression in Afghanistan
Report notes almost all of the country’s gross domestic product comes from spending related to the U.S. military and donor community’s presence.
News