Pay & Benefits
Veterans hiring sees boost in fiscal 2010
Numbers show employment initiatives have paid off, officials say.
Oversight
House passes bill to debar crooked contractors
Legislation would ban Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violators from doing business with the government.
Defense
Devil is in the details regarding Defense spending guidance
Industry and Congress support the Pentagon’s efficiency initiative goals, but await more information on implementation.
Oversight
From Nextgov: How a lawn mowing contract is changing Defense acquisition
One way the Pentagon will meet Secretary Gates' goal to cut $100 billion in spending will be to replicate the Naval Sea Systems Command’s standard solicitations for services, which increase competition and save money.
Oversight
Hiring reform deadline creates some headaches for agencies
Despite reports of progress, plans include plenty of challenges to tackle before Nov. 1.
Oversight
Senator: Consumer agency needs permanent director
Democrat dismisses significance of White House plan to appoint Elizabeth Warren as an unconfirmed special adviser to new consumer financial protection bureau.
News
The Week in Comments: Costs of war, same-sex couples and immigration
The best in reader reaction to recent articles.
Oversight
OMB nominee vows exhaustive review of agencies
In afternoon confirmation hearing, Jack Lew says review will be one of his first actions if confirmed as budget chief.
Oversight
Committees could see fundamental shakeup after election
Makeup of the Budget and Appropriations panels likely will be significantly different after Nov. 2.
Defense
Pentagon official seeks support for contracting initiatives
Possible consequences of not acting include broken or canceled programs and market uncertainty, acquisition executive says.
Pay & Benefits
Travel Trouble
Feds worried about smaller reimbursements for lodging expenses could see some relief.
Defense
Senators demand a better plan for nuclear detection
A Homeland Security office is spending money without a clear strategy and has little to show for two costly radiation detector projects, lawmakers charge.
News
From Nextgov.com: OMB cancels financial system development at SBA and VA
The move is part of a governmentwide review of the troubled projects and a reengineering of the way agencies purchase and develop information technology.
Defense
Army seeks hundreds of contracting specialists
Service will insource 4,000 acquisition personnel and hire hundreds more to boost workforce.
Oversight
Task force calls for reforms to ease small business contracting concerns
Group wants changes in set-asides, bundling and workforce training.
Defense