News

Federally Endorsed Mediocrity: The Contest

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Oversight

From Nextgov.com: VA hires Navy to build claims processing system

Lack of in-house expertise and pressure from veterans group and union leads department to forgo hiring a contractor .

Oversight

Contractor employees give Obama twice as much as McCain

Donations likely were influenced by a number of factors other than the procurement policies of the candidates.

Oversight

House panel blasts FDA labeling rules

Career agency officials objected to the new regulations, warning that they could harm patients.

News

Photo Gallery: NSA’s Tool Kit

From computer programs that magnify text to ergonomic keyboards, the National Security Agency offers a variety of devices to help employees do their job.

Defense

NORTHCOM has ‘fully come of age,’ according to outside assessment

Post-9/11 command provides vital resources for homeland defense, but civilian agencies need strengthening, retired general tells West Point faculty.

News

Unions mobilize on behalf of Democratic candidates

Federal employee labor groups are making financial contributions, organizing volunteers and airing ads.

Pay & Benefits

Agencies strive to tap talent of disabled employees

Government attempts to reverse an embarrassing decline in the portion of the federal workforce that is disabled.

Management

Me, Me, Me

For managers, a little humility goes a long way.

Oversight

Preparing for the Transition: Two Schools of Thought

Our series on the upcoming transition continues this week with tips for career managers on how to get into the minds of new appointees.

Defense

Defense awards more Iraq reconstruction work to contractors cited for poor performance

Several companies received contracts even after suspension or debarment, report says.

News

From Nextgov.com: Campaign advisers say CIO job should be a career position

Representatives of Barack Obama and John McCain also pledge to use technology to make government more transparent.

Oversight

NTSB calls out aviation agency on medical helicopter safety

Vote came during a meeting to update a list of "most wanted" transportation safety improvements.

Pay & Benefits

OPM helps Treasury with hiring flexibilities

Bailout program will require talent from inside and outside government.

News

U.S. intelligence agencies spend $47.5 billion in 2008

Amount is $4 billion more than spending for the previous fiscal year.

Defense

VA nurses are in short supply

GAO recommends adopting a new staffing system and expanding access to alternative work schedules for inpatient nurses.

Oversight

Swinging for the Fences

By every metric, Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential campaign looks as if it is headed for the upper deck.

News

NASA's Iconic Images

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News

Talent Hunt

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Oversight

Candidates offer vastly different governing styles

Obama is steady and measured in his decisions, while McCain follows his gut instincts and thrives on taking risks.