Oversight

Performance measures should fit agencies’ specific missions, panelists say.

The federal government struggles to evaluate and demonstrate its productivity to the public, according to management observers.

Management

KBR shut out of logistics work in Afghanistan

Democratic senator says award decision could signal the Army is taking flaws in contractors’ past performance more seriously.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Panel approves record $3.3 billion IT budget for VA, with stipulations

Committee restricts more than $1 billion in system development funds until CIO Roger Baker completes his review of programs.

Management

Panel lightly trims Labor-HHS spending bill

House subcommittee shaves $52 million from President Obama's request.

Defense

House passes bill that increases spending on veterans

Bill typically receives bipartisan support, but this time around Republicans had procedural complaints.

Defense

Senators seek to eliminate 23 senior Pentagon positions

Lawmakers decry 'proliferation' of deputy undersecretaries, say positions should be redesignated with other titles.

Oversight

Pace of stimulus contracting picks up

Private sector Web site finds that federal, state and local governments so far have paid $21 billion to contractors.

Defense

IG: Secure Border Initiative lacks effective oversight

Contractors are performing work that should be done by government employees, auditors find.

Defense

Levin, McCain expect some flak in Senate's F-22 dogfight

Committee leaders face uphill battle in stripping authorization bill of funding for fighter jets the Obama administration does not want.

Management

Farm Service Agency has new boss after dairyman's exit

Jonathan Coppess takes over three days after leader appointed in April quit, saying the job was not what he expected.

Pay & Benefits

Best Dates to Retire 2010

A calendar showing the best days to leave next year to maximize your benefits.

News

Sad But True

News

A Thought On Fraud

Pay & Benefits

Senate committee endorses 2.9 percent federal pay raise

Senate Appropriations panel’s recommendation for pay increase is higher than Obama’s proposal.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Maryland firm wins contract to revamp Recovery.gov

The General Services Administration awarded Smartronix of Hollywood, Md., an $18 million deal to help government better track stimulus funds.

News

Fewer goals, clear strategy contribute to effective leadership, study shows

The most successful federal leaders worked fewer hours than less successful executives.

Defense

House panel advances bill granting airport screeners bargaining rights

Measure also would end TSA’s pay-for-performance system and return workers to the General Schedule.

Defense

Costs of compensating military reservists climb

Watchdog agency analyzes trends in spending on reservist pay and benefits.