Defense
Firms gearing up final pitches for Air Force tanker contract
Deal for 179 wide-body planes has been valued as high as $40 billion, making it a significant prize for rivals Boeing and EADS North America.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Transportation tackles distracted-driving problem using videos
Agency unveils two new messages on its ‘rampage’ to end deadly practice that has been rising in age of mobile technology.
Pay & Benefits
USDA confronts challenge of youth recruitment
Secretary Tom Vilsack highlights steps Agriculture is taking to attract and cultivate a new generation of employees.
Oversight
Amtrak e-mail misuse alleged in IG scandal
Amtrak’s independent investigative officer is asking the Postal Service to look into the matter.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers propose five-year pay freeze, federal job cuts
Bill would keep spending at 2006 levels for a decade and reduce funding for civilian employees.
Oversight
Union representatives seek more input in workplace issues
Federal managers must step up pre-decisional involvement processes, administration officials say.
Oversight
Supreme Court approves background checks for contractors
NASA has the right to ask scientists questions about past drug use and emotional stability, justices rule.
News
The Week in Comments: Contract costs, USPS staff cuts and employee attrition
The best in reader reaction to recent articles.
Oversight
GOP looks to send Obama a message on spending
House Republicans are planning a vote the day of the State of the Union address on a resolution to cut non-security discretionary spending.
News
From Nextgov.com: FEMA chief taps social media's potential for aiding disaster response
‘Two-way conversation’ with the public pursued through designing communication systems for easy access by online masses.
Oversight
Interior announces new structure for regulating deepwater drilling
Third reorganization in response to BP oil spill aimed at fixing a bureau long torn by resource development, environmental safety and revenue collecting.
Defense
Army Reserve and Guard suicide rates more than doubled last year
Active-duty suicides declined slightly from 2009 to 2010.
Oversight