Pay & Benefits
OPM refines standards for reductions in force
Agencies will be able to separate out workers in pay-for-performance systems when downsizing.
Pay & Benefits
GSA increases per diems for some cities
About 400 locations will have fiscal 2009 rates higher than the national standard.
Tech
From Nextgov.com: Defense must improve assessment of IT systems
The department has not shown that its business systems are in compliance with its computer systems blueprint .
News
FCC picks posh beachfront communities for digital TV test
Affluent areas may prove to be poor test cases, since they don’t rely on over-the-air analog reception as much as low-income regions.
Oversight
Spending bills are on Congress’ agenda for September
Most agencies will likely be funded through a stopgap measure that will carry them over into 2009.
Oversight
Grades on management score card fall
Human capital and e-government ratings take a hit, but OMB notes that many agencies still are showing progress.
News
Think tank calls competitive sourcing a winning tool for taxpayers
Report cites Bush administration figures claiming large savings from competition, but union official says analysts should have looked harder at the numbers.
Defense
GOP convention presents security challenge
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies must work together to protect a decentralized gathering.
Tech
Technology chiefs poised to take a more strategic role
The transition to a new presidential administration could offer federal CIOs a chance to change their focus.
Pay & Benefits
Best Dates to Retire: Tax Considerations
Tax tips on clarifying your choice for the best time to call it a career.
Tech
From Nextgov.com: Project managers urged to analyze past performance
Report encourages agencies to maintain a database with records of successes and failures to serve as a guide for future endeavors.
Defense
Lawmakers call for trial run of new cargo security rule
Bipartisan group of House members says implementing the rule before testing it could disrupt the balance between security and commerce.
Oversight
CBO projects $400 billion deficit, citing tax rebates
The estimate comes about two weeks after the Office of Management and Budget projected that the fiscal 2008 budget deficit would be $389 billion.
Oversight
GAO declines to review protest of massive TSA human resources contract
Watchdog says FAA’s acquisition dispute resolution office has jurisdiction over the issue.
Oversight
Agencies strive to meet ambitious energy conservation goals
Law requires facilities to be carbon-neutral by 2030; reducing data center power consumption is a big challenge.
Pay & Benefits