Pay & Benefits
New data on federal-private compensation gap rekindles debate
Think tank says numbers support the case for outsourcing; employee groups say data is broad and meaningless.
Pay & Benefits
Inching Along
Federal pay and benefits issues haven’t been eclipsed completely by politics this election year.
Tech
Census chief says all sides at fault for handheld problems
Leadership changes will strengthen management of information technology projects, according to Steven Murdock.
Oversight
Air Force pushes the envelope on renewable energy
The Air Force buys more electricity from renewable sources than any other federal agency, and it’s in the market for much more.
Defense
Compensation lags for workers injured in Sept. 11 aftermath
But investigation finds FEMA-funded World Trade Center insurance company is operating as required by law.
Defense
Advocacy office says small firms deserve break on E-Verify
Rule requiring contractors to vet workers through Homeland Security employee identification system could place a heavy financial burden on smaller companies.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Air Force suspends Cyber Command program
Decision to ratchet back the Cyber Command may have come from Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who wants to see a greater role for the Navy in cyberspace.
Pay & Benefits
MSPB ruling could benefit vets who file employment claims
The Merit Systems Protection Board now says it has jurisdiction over cases involving veterans who belong to unions and file claims under a 1994 veterans’ employment law.
Management
Across the Divide
Government’s next leaders must strike a balance between civil servants and federal contractors.
Tech
From Nextgov.com: Board recommends new strategy for complex Defense programs
Report says the department should follow the integrated approach used for the Future Combat Systems.
News
Defense taps independent panel to examine contracting agency
The Defense Business Board is to report on operations at the Defense Contract Audit Agency within 60 days.
Defense
Initial assessment of Defense nuclear review nearing completion
Independent task force is expected to recommend changes, possible disciplinary measures in Air Force management.
Defense
Military health care benefit extended to reservist family members
Rule waives annual deductibles for dependents of some active-duty members of Reserves, National Guard.
Oversight
OPM reevaluates human capital marks for management score card
Downgrades reflect initiatives are still in the works rather than failing, officials say.
Oversight
CBO: Scale of contract operations in Iraq is unprecedented
Contract spending will reach $100 billion by the end of the year, and the ratio of contractors to military personnel is about 1-to-1.
Oversight
Targeted Advertising
John McCain -- not exactly known as a technology guru -- has spent more on search engine advertising than Barack Obama.
Oversight
Top IT cops say lack of authority, resources undermine security
Chief information security officers would like to serve and protect computers, but without the authority, budget and time, federal systems remain open to attack.
Oversight
Telework becomes more attractive as quality-of-life concerns spike
As fuel prices, traffic and pollution peak, managers are becoming more open to letting employees work from home.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: IRS improves IT governance of modernization program
But IG says tax agency needs to improve oversight of information technology projects .
Defense