Oversight
SBA issues new proposal on small business program, but same questions remain
Agency’s revised rule increases the number of industry groups eligible for set-aside contracts, but it’s not enough for critics.
Defense
An oral history of Iraq and Afghanistan
The lowdown on an effort to conducted in-depth interviews with military service members about their experiences in recent military operations.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: ODNI: Trade-off information security for good intel
Director of National Intelligence issues security directive that could change how agencies build, validate and approve IT systems.
Oversight
Economic rescue bill remains in limbo
Congressional leaders predict legislation will pass, as Bush applies pressure.
News
Lawmakers rebut Justice report on attorney firings
Sen. Pete Domenici and Rep. Heather Wilson fight suggestions that they had a hand in the removal of David Iglesias.
Pay & Benefits
Salary council discusses 2009 raise, pay gap data
Private sector incentive pay could distort salary differences, which help to determine locality raises.
Defense
Pentagon drops plans to convert union employees to NSPS
Official says current plan is to convert only Defense’s 205,000 non-bargaining unit employees to new pay system.
Oversight
GOP Senate Slippage
The outlook for Republicans has deteriorated to the point where a filibuster-proof Democratic majority seems less implausible.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Network at Los Alamos vulnerable to attacks
GAO calls for laboratory to restrict access to foreign nationals.
Defense
Coast Guard awards patrol boat contract to fill critical void
Award is service’s first major procurement under its new acquisition directorate.
Oversight
Bailout bill would have given Treasury chief unfettered authority
Legislation would have allowed Henry Paulson to waive acquisition rules and competitive hiring procedures.
News
Bill to boost independence of IGs heads to White House
Measure requires the president to give Congress 30 days' notice before removing an inspector general.
Defense
Bush order allows direct hiring of military spouses
Order approving noncompetitive appointments to civil service jobs follows State of the Union pledge to expand benefits for military families.
Oversight
Democrats: Report on U.S. attorney firings leaves questions
Nora Dannehy, a career prosecutor, will direct probe.
Pay & Benefits
GAO, union reach interim bargaining agreement
A ratification vote is likely to happen by mid-October.
Pay & Benefits