Defense
Forward Observer: Gates' Swan Song?
Pentagon chief is clearly fed up with the status quo in the military-industrial-political complex.
News
From Nextgov.com: Army wants soldiers' devices to keep going, and going, and going
Service asks for ideas for how to make batteries that power electronics on the battlefield lighter and last longer .
Oversight
Hiring reform could signal end of federal internship program
Unions feel confident OPM review will lead to program’s elimination.
Defense
Defense opts for multiyear F/A-18 deal
Officials say purchase would save 10 percent over a traditional contract.
Oversight
Obama blasts oil execs, MMS over spill
President decries "cozy relationship" between agency, industry.
Oversight
Feds almost pay a price for porn
Republican language banning agencies from paying employees caught viewing explicit images on work computers unravels technology bill.
Defense
Finger pointing begins over New York security grant allocations
Lawmakers and the Obama administration spar over whether funding has actually increased or decreased, and who is responsible.
Defense
Defiant panels approve $485 million for F-35 alternate engine
Defense chief contends any savings from increased competition are not worth the upfront costs of developing and buying two engines for the fighter.
Defense
Senate panel approves supplemental, floor fights await
Bill includes $33.5 billion for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and $68 million to help with the Gulf oil spill.
Pay & Benefits
Cost estimates cause trouble for telework bill
Proponents of off-site work policies must do a better job of showing how flexibility can save money, panelists say.
Oversight
Federal acquisition councils anticipate mandate to increase transparency
But the administration has not yet directed agencies to post contract documents online.
Oversight