Oversight
State Department urged to boost hiring
New report cautions against an increasing “militarization” of diplomacy.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Air Force pursues Cyber Command again
Decision comes despite a Pentagon directive to give cyber responsibilities to STRATCOM.
Defense
Feds, industry announce center for identity management research
Agencies, academia and corporations form coalition to find ways to better protect personal data and privacy, but offer few details.
Oversight
Treasury details procurement plan for new financial office
Agency will follow federal acquisition rules, but anticipates that a number of contracts will be awarded without full and open competition.
News
Army reviewing alternatives to troubled helicopter project
Cost of Bell aircraft has risen more than 25 percent.
Pay & Benefits
SEC, union settle pay-for-performance case
Agency will implement revised merit system and a diversity agreement.
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