Oversight

Private sector not necessarily a model for hiring reform

Some practices such as relying primarily on résumés aren’t suitable for the federal government, consultancy says.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Details of Recovery.gov redesign contract revealed

Transparency groups and project management specialists were concerned by the lack of information on the deal, which could be worth up to $18 million.

Defense

Obama vows to veto Senate bill with F-22s

Armed Services panel leaders hope letter from Obama will resonate with their colleagues and generate support for an amendment to strip the bill of funding for fighter jets the administration does not want.

Oversight

Regulatory nominee courts lawmakers, farm groups

Cass Sunstein is working at OMB on an unconfirmed basis.

Defense

Forward Observer: Obama's Defense Reckoning

The president is facing a tough fight over the Pentagon budget.

Oversight

Performance measures should fit agencies’ specific missions, panelists say.

The federal government struggles to evaluate and demonstrate its productivity to the public, according to management observers.

Management

KBR shut out of logistics work in Afghanistan

Democratic senator says award decision could signal the Army is taking flaws in contractors’ past performance more seriously.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Panel approves record $3.3 billion IT budget for VA, with stipulations

Committee restricts more than $1 billion in system development funds until CIO Roger Baker completes his review of programs.

Management

Panel lightly trims Labor-HHS spending bill

House subcommittee shaves $52 million from President Obama's request.

Defense

House passes bill that increases spending on veterans

Bill typically receives bipartisan support, but this time around Republicans had procedural complaints.

Defense

Senators seek to eliminate 23 senior Pentagon positions

Lawmakers decry 'proliferation' of deputy undersecretaries, say positions should be redesignated with other titles.

Oversight

Pace of stimulus contracting picks up

Private sector Web site finds that federal, state and local governments so far have paid $21 billion to contractors.

Defense

IG: Secure Border Initiative lacks effective oversight

Contractors are performing work that should be done by government employees, auditors find.

Defense

Levin, McCain expect some flak in Senate's F-22 dogfight

Committee leaders face uphill battle in stripping authorization bill of funding for fighter jets the Obama administration does not want.

Management

Farm Service Agency has new boss after dairyman's exit

Jonathan Coppess takes over three days after leader appointed in April quit, saying the job was not what he expected.

Pay & Benefits

Best Dates to Retire 2010

A calendar showing the best days to leave next year to maximize your benefits.