Defense
From Nextgov.com: Navy plans to ask for NGEN proposals by spring
The service prepares to hold two industry days to discuss the network that will connect users on shore and at sea.
Oversight
Federal jobs not automatically competitive, administration argues
In court filing, Justice Department says president has authority to determine which jobs are subject to competition.
Oversight
Wall Street executive turned politician dissects the economic breakdown
New Jersey's governor, a former senator and CEO of Goldman Sachs, discusses the financial crisis and Henry Paulson's performance as Treasury secretary.
Oversight
Former procurement chief indicted again
Prosecutors level two new charges against David Safavian and revive three from his previous trial.
Oversight
Orszag: Economic mess will change incoming president's agenda
It will be difficult to deal with much beyond the economy in the early stages of the next presidency, budget office chief says.
News
Bailout brings massive hiring, oversight challenges
Rescue effort is likely to require 1,000 additional highly-skilled civil servants and at least as many contractors.
Pay & Benefits
What You Need to Know
Questions you should ask yourself and your HR office as you prepare for retirement.
Defense
Surveillance powers unlikely to change with new president
There’s little reason to believe McCain or Obama would roll back the intelligence gathering authorities now in place.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA oversight of contractor flawed
Inspector general says procurement agency failed to make sure the government received the best deal when it hired consultant to evaluate bids for a massive IT contract.
Defense
Senator urges suspension of Iraq publicity contracts
The United States should not be spending $300 million to “propagandize the Iraqi people,” especially given the financial crisis, Virginia Democrat says.
Oversight
OPM meets most 2008 strategic goals
Agency still struggles with the rollout of its electronic retirement system.
Oversight
Set-asides still offer billions in contracting prospects
Awards to small firms continue to rise, though the pace is slowing, industry research group finds.
Defense
Top officer says military should wean itself off supplementals
Defense should identify long-term needs that have been included in emergency spending bills and move them to the regular budget, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman says.
Pay & Benefits
A Fresh Start
SEC’s collaborative approach to rebuilding its failed pay-for-performance system might offer lessons for other agencies.
Tech
Homeland Security communications network project at risk of delays
The department should have developed stronger controls before hiring a contractor to work on the project, report says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Air Force to place cyber operations under Space Command
The service’s neglect of its nuclear mission led to the demise of a grand plan for a Cyber Command.
Oversight
SEC chairman blames lack of transparency for market turmoil
Chris Cox calls for better reporting on financial disclosures.
Oversight
Budget observers predict crunch on spending
Former OMB director says next president should devise a five-year budget strategy to handle financial crisis in the short-term and provide long-term deficit restraint.
Oversight