Defense
From Nextgov.com: Report concludes internal e-mail compromised airport security test
Inspector general concludes message sent by TSA official alerted airport screeners to test, despite agency's claims to the contrary.
Pay & Benefits
Pay for performance debate centers on incentives
Labor leaders say existing General Schedule System provides a variety of ways of rewarding performance.
Oversight
Inspector general says IRS must do more to prevent fraudulent refunds
Head of the agency’s criminal investigation division calls IG’s methodology “biased.”
Defense
Lieberman wants U.S.-Mexico border security funding in supplemental
Senator said he will seek an amendment that would add $550 million in border security funds to stop weapons and cash from being smuggled to the drug cartels.
Oversight
USDA secretary fills key posts in department
Janey Thornton, a former school nutrition director in Kentucky, will serve as deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.
Oversight
Pressure is on agencies to manage stimulus construction funds
Billions of dollars are at stake, but track record in overseeing such projects is decidedly mixed.
Oversight
USDA officials pitch in to help with White House garden
Secretary Tom Vilsack helps in planting, while scientists plan to provide parasite-resistant honey bees for pollination.
Oversight
Some open government advocates question administration’s transparency commitment
Some observers worry the White House won’t follow through on user-friendly news feeds to track stimulus funds.
Oversight
Interior announces first stimulus projects
Initial investments will boost U.S. Geological Survey research on climate and energy challenges.
Oversight
Obama executive order limits contractors' hiring options
A little-noticed directive requires service providers that win follow-on contracts to offer jobs to nonmanagerial employees at the previous company.
Oversight
Administration warns of stimulus scams
Senior citizens, small businesses have been targeted in Recovery Act schemes.
Oversight
USDA touts success with intern program
Department has created a pipeline for Hispanic interns to become permanent federal employees.
Pay & Benefits