News

The Military's Promotion Problem

Oversight

IG finds Army mismanaged contingency operations support contract

Service allowed scope of the deal to grow without fostering competition, or taking proper precautions to protect proprietary data, report says.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Commerce announces new shop to oversee online security

Office will coordinate public-private efforts to better protect electronic transactions for people and organizations.

Defense

Gates moves to overhaul, boost military intelligence

Demand from ground commanders for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets continues to exceed the military’s supply, secretary says.

Pay & Benefits

Defense proposal would raise long-steady TRICARE fees

Savings also are possible through civilian pay and hiring freezes, Gates says.

Pay & Benefits

Proposal continues crackdown on recruitment and other bonuses

Draft regulations are designed to help agencies spend wisely on payments to attract and keep candidates for hard-to-fill positions.

Oversight

National taxpayer advocate looped into debate on repealing health care law

Questions about IRS’ capacity to administer complex new law are released just as House Republicans launch bid to undo Obama’s reforms.

Defense

Congress faces series of homeland security decisions

Key issues range from cybersecurity to border control.

Defense

Gates: Pentagon not exempt from overall pressure to cut spending

Defense secretary finally comes up against an enemy he can't overcome.

Pay & Benefits

The Index: 2011 Edition

Your annual guide to the critical retirement information covered in this column.

News

How's That Deficit Cutting Coming?

Management

Leaders, What's Your Vocation?

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Key lawmaker wants to limit full-body screening at airports

Legislation would bar TSA from using advanced imaging technology scanners for primary inspection.

Defense

Gates takes ax to Defense programs to end ‘culture of endless money’

Department identifies $154 billion in proposed efficiencies though ending weapons programs, changing business practices.

Pay & Benefits

Analysis: Pay reform at the crossroads

The next two years are the ideal time to introduce more performance-based factors in the General Schedule system, drawing on 30 years of research and experience.

Pay & Benefits

Memo clarifies status of federal interns during program overhaul

Most existing hiring tools will remain at agencies’ disposal until officials finalize new policies.