Oversight
Vets preference tops list of concerns about hiring reform
Lawmakers, union officials stress need to preserve federal merit system principles.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Lawmaker questions data error in a Census Bureau report on states’ finances
Mistake underscores government’s need to shift to a widely used programming language to improve accuracy , analyst says.
Defense
Agencies can't connect intelligence dots, panel told
Sept. 11 commission leaders say agencies can't share and analyze data quickly.
Defense
Panel restores $112 million to Army budget
Money will go to technologies the service is salvaging from the canceled Future Combat Systems program.
Defense
Pentagon reports progress on anniversary of procurement reform law
Despite improvements, watchdog finds major programs still face requirements changes, software development challenges and workforce issues.
Pay & Benefits
Hiring overhaul bill passes the Senate
Legislation would codify many of the reforms outlined in President Obama’s May 11 memorandum.
Defense
U.S. must counter Chinese military gains, senators say
Financing technology upgrades needed in the Western Pacific will be a challenge.
Defense
Senate probe finds 14 failures in Christmas bomb attempt
Report calls for the government to develop advanced information technology systems to detect threats.
Management
Mission Fissures
Many federal agencies have long struggled with conflicting aims. Breaking them up isn’t hard to do.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Lieberman's cybersecurity bill leans on buying power
Measure would require acquisition officers to learn about security vulnerabilities in technology products in an effort to use the government’s vast purchasing power to push vendors to provide more secure solutions.
Oversight
Interior chief says department shares responsibility for cleanup
Ken Salazar says efforts are underway to change culture at Minerals Management Service in wake of oil spill.
Oversight
Senate Dems weigh including budget blueprint in supplemental spending bill
Resolution would set discretionary spending level for fiscal 2011 and allow appropriators to move forward with annual spending bills.
Oversight
Bill to ease presidential transitions heads to full Senate
Oversight committee passes the bipartisan legislation without any changes.
Oversight
Obama to establish commission on oil spill as blame game heats up
BP and federal officials come under fire for not having a stronger plan to prevent and respond to a disaster.
Pay & Benefits