Oversight
Federal oil rig inspectors hit for lapses preceding BP spill
Presidential commission slams out-of-date training and coziness with industry as Interior regulators reorganize and prepare reforms.
News
From Nextgov.com: OMB tells feds not to look at leaked documents
Agencies remind employees and contractors that WikiLeaks documents are still classified.
Defense
Defense revises rule on contractor business systems
New proposal lowers the amount the government can withhold from contractors that don’t do enough to protect against waste, fraud and abuse.
Defense
Defense chief isn't optimistic about ‘don’t ask’ repeal this year
Senate plans to adjourn for the year by Dec. 17 and has a long to-do list before leaving town.
Pay & Benefits
OPM updates sick leave policies
Final rule expands eligibility and provides leave guidance on communicable diseases to agencies.
Defense
Report: Defense faces large and growing mental health problem
Data reflect the ‘increasing psychological toll’ of combat operations on the force.
Defense
Senate passes bill to manage military cemetery
Measure requires Army to report whether Arlington graves are properly marked and to develop plans to fix errors.
Defense
General not confident of 2014 pullout from Afghanistan
Gen. David Petraeus notes the war is a very complex endeavor and requires a comprehensive approach.
Tech
Healthy Hiring Outlook
Eleven percent of private sector executives plan to increase their IT hiring in the first quarter of 2011, report finds.
News
From Nextgov.com: Loopholes in global aviation system pose challenges to effective screening, officials say
Legal and cultural differences among countries could be roadblocks to developing standard security measures .
Oversight
Commission sets stage for 2011 budget debate
Panel co-chairmen expect House spending blueprint to include many of their recommendations.
Oversight
Consumer complaint website will test wisdom of crowds
Agency approval of a March 2011 launch of online tool for reports on harmful products promises unprecedented information, risk of defamation.
Pay & Benefits
Analysis: Remedies beyond the pay freeze
With agencies facing rising retirements and attrition, the two-year run-up to the next election is a good time to revamp the General Schedule.
Pay & Benefits
Health insurance choices can ease the pain of the pay freeze
Smart planning during open season can save feds enough money to offset the cost of forgoing a raise, observer says.
Defense
Marine Corps, Army chiefs oppose ending 'don't ask' this year
Leaders say ending the ban on openly gay troops now would distract forces from combat training and operations.
Oversight
House looks to pass full fiscal year CR
Senate will either attach an omnibus spending bill, or adopt longer-term continuing resolution to keep government running.
Defense
McKeon insists on hearing from the military on ‘don’t ask’
Presumptive House Armed Services chairman says he wants to hear from the chiefs of the military services and field commanders on repealing ban.
Pay & Benefits