News
From Nextgov.com: Delays in Networx transition put cloud computing decisions on hold
Officials are considering cloud services, but don’t want to commit to them until they are further along in their move to the new telecommunications pact, vendor says.
Defense
Veterans Affairs’ acquisition practices come under fire
Inefficiencies and fraud in contracting programs lead lawmakers to weigh legislation updating the department’s business practices.
Defense
House passes Defense spending bill, riders
Chamber also approves five-day continuing resolution to keep the Pentagon running until the Senate passes and the president signs the appropriations measure.
Pay & Benefits
Partner benefits bill advances, but hurdles remain
Panel leaders won't back passage in the full Senate without assurances the measure will be cost-neutral.
Defense
Senate leader's Christmas wish list is growing
Sen. Harry Reid wants the chamber to pass a continuing resolution, short-term debt limit increase, Defense spending bill and health care overhaul before the holiday.
Management
Putting the 'I' in Teamwork
Should federal managers rate teams rather than individual employees?
News
From Nextgov.com: House backs e-standards for financial reports
Measures are designed to make it easier for people to search data from firms that receive federal funds.
Oversight
Senator asks IRS to report on contractors’ unpaid taxes
Top Republican on Finance Committee wants figures on delinquent Medicare and Medicaid health care providers.
Oversight
IG will investigate whether department misused funds
Lawmaker wants probe into whether administration misused federal money when Education officials pushed schools to change how they make student loans.
Defense
Senators: Army needs better info about soldiers
After Pentagon briefing on Fort Hood shootings, chairman and ranking member of Homeland Security panel conclude Army needs to upgrade its personnel policies.
News
Number of Homeland Security contractors raises eyebrows
Lawmaker questions workforce estimates and whether contract personnel are performing government functions.
Oversight
Watchdog urges Postal Service managers to support cost-cutting initiative
Without better leadership, USPS won’t reap the full benefits of a program to avoid giving injured employees busy work, GAO says.
Defense
Fight over tanker pact puts two nominations in limbo
Alabama senator is blocking the nominations of Erin Conaton as the Air Force's No. 2 civilian leader and Frank Kendall as Defense acquisition and technology chief.
Defense
Defense bill breathes new life into canceled programs
Legislation includes $130 million for the troubled VH-71 presidential helicopter program despite White House opposition.
Oversight
Real Slippage
The president’s approval ratings have moved down a notch or two in recent weeks.
Oversight
Groups claim data on federal employees’ salaries is misleading
News analysis indicates that the number of government workers earning more than six figures has spiked during the last two years.
Defense