Defense

Lawmakers tackle interagency reform

Proposed personnel system would integrate national security expertise across government.

Pay & Benefits

TSP shows strength in September

After a rocky summer, all the funds return to the positive column.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: CDC increases competition with $5 billion IT contract

The 10-year indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity pact awarded to 30 companies that will provide information management, management consulting and IT infrastructure.

Defense

Senator: Don't change date for starting Afghanistan troop withdrawal

Open-ended military commitments permit inaction on the part of host governments and reduce the incentive for them to take the lead, Democratic Sen. Carl Levin says.

Defense

Finally, Congress approves Coast Guard authorization bill

Four years in the making, measure will allow service to proceed with long-sought reorganization.

Oversight

Watchdogs rap Defense information office for improper fee collection

Officials find former administrator engaged in ‘gross mismanagement.’

Pay & Benefits

Feds’ health insurance premiums to increase 7.2 percent

Growth attributed to market changes and new plan features, such as tobacco cessation incentives and expanded dependent care coverage.

Trends

Culture Shock

Federal agencies struggle to fill in the gaps in language skills.

Features

Tough Sell

Government’s stodgy image gives industry an edge in the chase for young technology workers.

Features

Dark Hour

After nine years of war, the Army is grappling with growing rates of suicide, crime and drug abuse in the ranks.

Features

Watching the Guards

In the wake of war zone scandals, global partners set out to establish a code of conduct for private security firms.

Management Matters

Thinking Small

SSA chief Michael Astrue works all the angles to shrink a daunting disability backlog.

Analysis

Technology by Design

Enterprise architecture shifts IT strategy from the computer room to the boardroom.

In Every Issue

Briefing

Security theater, jobs in the fight, smart space and welcome wagon.

Editor's Notebook

Job One

Overhauling the federal hiring system becomes a critical imperative.

Trends

Keeping the Door Open

As the newness wears off, transparency could be losing its shine.

Perspectives

Collaboration and Control

Government prepares for enemy threats to key networks.

Defense

Military uses drones to counter roadside bombs

Tactic represents a shift in the fight against improvised explosive devices, which are responsible for nearly 60 percent of coalition battle deaths in Afghanistan.

Oversight

Obama's signature keeps government in business

President approves stopgap spending bill keeping the government running through Dec. 3.