Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Senator questions progress on federal spending Web site
Agencies slow in submitting data on grant awards for USASpending.gov, which faces deadlines to post more information.
Defense
Agencies ease bottleneck in processing immigration benefits forms
A boost in staffing and resources has helped chip away at long-pending FBI name checks.
Defense
Officials, families dedicate Pentagon Sept. 11 memorial
Individuals killed inside the Pentagon and doomed passengers aboard hijacked airliner are honored.
Oversight
Power grid vulnerable to cyberattacks, committee told
Legislation is aimed at giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission more authority to require compliance with security standards and issue emergency orders.
Defense
GAO: Defense should address employee concerns with personnel system
Department lacks strategy for responding to employees’ negative perception of new pay-for-performance system.
Oversight
Aviation security is an ever-evolving quest, top official says
Federal Air Marshal Service Director Robert Bray discusses changes and challenges in aviation security since Sept. 11.
Oversight
IRS moves tax processing work back in-house
Agency employees will resume direct management over taxpayer files at seven sites across the country.
Defense
Chertoff cites biological weapons as his biggest worry
Homeland Security chief says focus is on early detection.
Defense
Homeland Security officials defend virtual border fence program
Customs and Border Protection chief tells lawmakers delay is better than hasty implementation.
Pay & Benefits
Helping Hand
Many federal employees benefit from job security in a struggling economy, but it doesn’t inoculate them against hard times.
Defense
House Democrats slam Bush administration for failure to comply with 9/11 act
Homeland Security Committee’s ranking Republican calls the report a “political stunt.”
Tech
From Nextgov.com: Standards for accreditation of labs that test voting machines inconsistent
NIST must strengthen assessments to ensure labs are qualified, GAO reports.
Oversight
Defense audit agency rapped by senators, whistleblowers
DCAA director testifies to Senate panel that agency’s problems are ‘unacceptable.’
Defense
Senate panel passes $488 billion defense spending bill
Measure includes a 3.9 percent pay raise for the military.
Tech
FAA awards air traffic controller training contract to Raytheon
Ten-year deal consolidates two agreements, moves agency closer to transformation.
Defense
TSA official: Watch list exemption program ready soon
Homeland Security has been prohibited by Congress from implementing Secure Flight until 10 privacy and technical conditions are met.
Defense
Two federal programs snare top public service awards
Winners receive $100,000 to help replicate creative ideas in government.
Defense