Oversight
Early stimulus contracts face scrutiny
Watchdog Earl Devaney already is looking into potential flaws in some initial Recovery Act procurements.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: IBM's rumored acquisition of Sun would have little impact
Procurement specialists and company partners predict a consolidation of product lines.
Oversight
Utah senator threatens hold on Interior deputy nominee
Republican Robert Bennett says he wants to speak to David Hayes and Secretary Ken Salazar about oil and gas leases in his state.
Defense
Obama administration to submit war funding request next week
Defense comptroller says the department needs the money by Memorial Day "to avoid funding problems and to maintain continuity of operations for the troops."
Defense
Pentagon aims to bring jobs back in house
Outsourcing has turned out to be more expensive than keeping federal employees, Defense comptroller tells lawmakers.
Oversight
Drug industry is wary of Obama's pick for FDA deputy
Joshua Sharfstein has a long and sometimes contentious history with the pharmaceutical industry.
Oversight
Moderate Democrats flexing muscles on fiscal matters
Centrists are forming a working group in an attempt to keep spending down.
News
From Nextgov.com: Obama proposes terminating the Loran system that backs up GPS
Telecom industry, federal agencies and specialists say growing risks to the Global Positioning System increase the need for it.
Pay & Benefits
OPM authorizes streamlined hiring for stimulus efforts
Agencies will be able to use excepted service appointments to bring on new employees temporarily for economic recovery projects.
Oversight
Obama pushes for quick movement on fiscal 2010 spending plan
Floor action on the budget resolution is expected for the week of March 30.
Oversight
Interior chief: Energy development continues on public lands
Salazar notes that in the last seven weeks the department has sold seven oil and gas leases worth $33 million in federal revenue.
Oversight
GSA encourages agencies to use its contracts for stimulus projects
Senior official says existing options offer the best avenue for accelerated spending.
Oversight