Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Feds still fumbling with financial management systems
GAO skeptical about an increase in number of agencies complying with law to deploy compatible systems that use proper standards.
Defense
Defense auditors express optimism about new job standards
Under heavy criticism, agency nixes all but one of 19 performance measures and creates new ones.
Oversight
Defense comptroller leaves for industry job
Tina Jonas heads to Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. after four-year tenure as the Pentagon’s chief financial executive.
Pay & Benefits
TSP funds nosedive in September
Wall Street turmoil drags down funds, continuing yearlong trend.
Defense
Obama adviser targets weapons costs, lack of oversight
Richard Danzig says missile defense and the Army's Future Combat Systems modernization project should be monitored.
Pay & Benefits
Homeland Security scraps plans for personnel system
Stopgap funding measure signed Tuesday prohibits department from moving forward with proposed pay-for-performance system.
Pay & Benefits
Senate passes bill approving locality pay for Alaska and Hawaii
Lawmakers say move will ensure federal retirees in those states receive equal benefits.
Oversight
Senate sends economic rescue bill to the House
Leaders hope add-ons including extensions of tax breaks will assuage opposition.
Pay & Benefits
Healthy Choices
A look at benefit changes for some of FEHB's most popular plans as premiums rise.
Oversight
Defense bill includes major contracting reforms
Measure headed to President Bush’s desk would increase transparency and competition.
Oversight
HUD launches new homeowner program
Applicants must have a mortgage that was originated before Jan. 1, and cannot afford their current loan.
News
Government urged to focus on resilience in homeland security
Ability to withstand catastrophic events and quickly return to state of “near normalcy” requires stronger public-private coordination.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: IG: GSA must improve information security
Audit says agency must improve contractor oversight and encrypt all mobile devices.
Oversight
Government reform groups unveil transition plan
Strong performance measurements and attention to workforce are called key to the next administration’s agenda.
News
Bush signs funding bill in final hours of the fiscal year
Continuing resolution to keep agencies running through March includes a 3.9 percent pay raise for civilian federal employees.
Oversight
Senate expected to pass $700 billion proposal with ease
The revised bill would raise FDIC coverage amounts from $100,000 to $250,000 for one year.
Management