Pay & Benefits
Hiring overhaul on the way as soon as next week
White House memo will include guidance on using résumés in lieu of knowledge, skills and abilities essays.
Oversight
Former special counsel pleads guilty
Scott Bloch will be sentenced on July 20 for withholding information from congressional investigators.
Oversight
Republicans agree to keep an open mind on deficit reduction
Democrats on the commission say no ideas should be forbidden from consideration.
Defense
Alternate engine makers for F-35 jet offer price cut
Proposal comes amid repeated threats from Defense chief Robert Gates that he will recommend a veto of any defense bill that keeps alive the alternate engine program.
Defense
Army surgeon general notes concern about drugs prescribed to wounded soldiers
Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker defends overall quality of care at warrior transition units after reports of addiction in New York Times .
Oversight
White House chef confesses: Obama garden not so green
Sam Kass says organic certification is unnecessary because the main purpose of the garden is to educate people on healthy eating.
Oversight
Deficit reduction commission has first meeting
Republicans are worried Democrats are using the panel as a front to raise taxes.
Oversight
OMB seeks input on changes to ‘inherently governmental’ definition
Procurement chief Daniel Gordon asks industry leaders for reaction to proposed contracting guidelines.
Defense
Northrop Grumman picks Northern Virginia for new home
State edges out Virginia, District of Columbia in bid to host headquarters of one of the largest federal contractors.
Oversight
White House establishes small business contracting task forces
Groups will focus on governmentwide opportunities; contracts for veteran- and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: FAA urges airlines to be clear on personal tech use in cockpit
Crew members are required to refrain from ‘performing nonessential duties’ during takeoffs and landings, but new notice asks carriers to set policies for the use of cell phones, laptops and other devices during flights.
Defense
Half of employees will be off NSPS by end of June
Last payouts under the pay-for-performance system averaged 4.26 percent for workers who received ratings of 3 out of 5 or better.
Oversight
Strategy for boosting acquisition workforce is a step forward, report says
Agency officials say OMB's requirements for submitting human capital plans are workable.
News
OPM plans investments in health and hiring systems
Enhancements would help the government assess insurance providers and make life easier for recruiters and job applicants.
Oversight
GOP House members seek appropriations commitments
Republicans would like Democrats to agree to expeditious consideration of supplemental spending bill and individual action on all 12 appropriations measures.
Defense