News
From Nextgov.com: Senators skim over open government during CTO confirmation hearing
Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee members say virtually nothing to nominee Aneesh Chopra during question-and-answer session .
Oversight
Defense personnel security clearance information is incomplete, GAO says
Pentagon and OPM have reduced processing times, but took four months to vet nearly 40 percent of initial security clearances in fiscal 2008.
Oversight
Agencies plan to issue most stimulus contracts competitively
Fixed-price deals will be prevalent, though wide use of such arrangements is impractical for some departments.
Oversight
Maryland congressman’s background shapes his approach to public service
Democratic Rep. John Sarbanes weighs in on the administration’s attitude toward management reform, and congressional efforts to improve government.
Defense
Boost in Army personnel strength not needed, official says
General tells lawmakers he does not want a permanent increase in authorized personnel given the cost.
Defense
Air Force wants accelerated production of strike fighters
Chief of staff says it is "imperative" that the service buy at least 80 F-35s a year -- and as many as 110 annually -- as soon as possible.
Defense
Air Force submits smaller wish list
The modest request indicates that the services are heeding Defense secretary's calls to end the military's backdoor lobbying of Congress to secure money for items not included in the budget.
Oversight
Groups want transparency in the spotlight
OMB Watch has circulated a sign-on letter among transparency groups urging the administration to "open the open government directive process" to the public.
Oversight
Leveling Off
Buoyed by increasing optimism about the economy, President Obama’s approval ratings appear to have reached a high plateau.
Defense
GAO: Defense must make cultural, procedural changes to NSPS
Watchdog agency says moving too quickly on pay-for-performance systems undermines their credibility.
News
From Nextgov.com: TSA improves program to check airline passengers against terrorist list
Secure Flight, which screens air travelers against a watch list, is more secure and has reduced the number of false positives.
Pay & Benefits
TSP to debut Web site makeover in the fall
Overhaul will make it easier to track transactions online and transfer money among funds.
Defense
Officials draft changes to Bush-era mandate on ID cards
Some of the biggest differences between the law and the proposed alternative deal with information-technology requirements.
Oversight