Oversight
Unions express concern over new draft of labor-management order
Proposal backs away from requiring agencies to bargain over broader set of work rules.
News
From Nextgov.com: Government breaks new ground in Web site satisfaction
Analysts say the achievement has more to do with long-term improvements to sites than the Obama administration’s focus on technology.
Oversight
OMB calls for 5 percent growth in civilian acquisition workforce
Administration also addresses ways to reduce risky contract types and increase competition.
Defense
FEMA is unable to measure funding benefits
Agency official says billions spent on homeland security since 2002 have made country safer, but admits FEMA has no way to definitively assess the improvement.
Defense
Official: Hill was not informed of other intelligence activities
Senior administration official does not disclose specific instances, but agrees that the process for congressional notification needs to be improved.
Defense
West Point privatization plan expected to be canceled
Move follows GAO ruling citing flaws in how the Army reached a decision to outsource public works jobs.
Oversight
Intensity Matters
In a midterm election in which turnout is inherently lower than in presidential years, the most-motivated voters carry a disproportionate advantage.
Defense
Administration replaces beleaguered director of Defense agency
April Stephenson, head of the Defense Contract Audit Agency, has been reassigned to the Pentagon comptroller’s office.
News
From Nextgov.com: VA to deploy automated tool to speed up vets' education benefits
Secretary Eric Shinseki also says developing IT systems for the Veterans Benefits Administration is a top priority.
Pay & Benefits
Prospects for higher federal raise remain murky
Many feel pay parity is unlikely, given the ailing economy and a military hike that seems out of reach for civilian agencies.
Oversight
OMB contracting guidance expected to be released this week
Memo will cover acquisition workforce and outsourcing, among other procurement issues.
News
Classes, service projects offer personal growth opportunities
Though these programs aren’t officially part of the governmentwide push for work-life balance, they are flourishing at a number of agencies.
Oversight
Draft climate change bill puts USDA in lead on emissions
Proposal would require the Agriculture secretary and EPA administrator to develop a carbon credit program within one year of enactment.
Oversight
Congress in no rush to cut mail delivery
One of the stumbling blocks is disagreement over how much money the Postal Service would save by stopping Saturday service.
Pay & Benefits