Defense
Candidates have not tipped their hands on defense spending
The next administration will face hard choices in areas such as weapons purchases and Army modernization, but so far neither presidential hopeful has offered a clear agenda.
Pay & Benefits
OPM announces 2008 Presidential Rank Award winners
Defense and Homeland Security boast most recipients.
Oversight
Tie Breaker
The House would pick the next president if the Electoral College vote ended in a tie.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: DuPont, German company win lightweight battery contest
Defense held yearlong competition to reduce by as much as 75 percent the weight of batteries needed to power high-tech devices in battle.
Oversight
Think tank publishes transition guides for government leaders
Books offer advice on establishing relationships, setting clear agendas, communicating with employees and learning government jargon.
Oversight
SBA to stop certifying small disadvantaged businesses
Agency will no longer verify status; companies can self-certify or get help from a third-party.
Defense
Army touts flexibility of modernization program
Recent adjustments, including a new focus on infantry brigades, have helped assuage some congressional concerns.
Oversight
Agency beefs up Medicare fraud detection efforts
Officials announce the launch of a recovery audit contractor program that will track businesses with high billing.
Oversight
External factors will limit next president’s control over spending
The growth of mandatory entitlement programs and interest on the national debt leave little wiggle room in the budget.
Pay & Benefits
OPM issues guidelines for discrimination and retaliation cases
Report recommends less severe disciplinary actions for employees with long tenures and no record of previous problems.
News
Election results will influence the regulatory climate
Both presidential candidates have promised tough ethics and transparency rules, but in general McCain is likely to have a lighter regulatory touch than Democratic rival Obama.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA creates program office for Multiple Award Schedules
Goal is to provide consistency across business units, improve customer and vendor satisfaction.
Defense
Security experts call for improved public communications
Panel says next president needs to ensure that public warnings are based on solid information and are sent based on urgent need.
Oversight
Justice IG calls attorney firings 'fundamentally flawed'
Report recommends criminal investigation into dismissals.
Oversight
Research firm highlights untapped potential in federal contracts
Top 20 opportunities for fiscal 2009 will come from recompetitions or consolidations of agreements already awarded, report says.
Pay & Benefits
Study: Cost of domestic partner benefits could be limited
If state-level experiences are any indication, low enrollment would hold costs down.
Oversight