Defense
Ruling upholds results of DHS union election
Agency applauds decision; union that raised objections has yet to determine whether it will appeal.
Defense
Lawmaker asks overseers to agree on meaning of ‘waste’
Common definition would be precursor to estimating wasteful spending on Iraq reconstruction.
News
OPM tightens rules blocking criminals from federal work
Agencies would have power to bar employment of certain categories of people for three years.
Defense
Auditor faults Defense’s reliance on interagency contracts
Pentagon acquisition officials told inspectors they often made purchases through other agencies in part because it was faster.
Management
Questions remain about measure to fund agencies until October
Democrats plan to give most domestic agencies the amount enacted for last year, leaving about $3 billion to redirect to programs in need.
Pay & Benefits
Feeling the Squeeze
Agencies with high personnel costs and stagnant budgets are asking their employees to make sacrifices.
Management
Lineup on House government oversight subcommittees finalized
Illinois member will lead the panel focusing on the federal workforce and New York representative will head management and procurement panel.
Tech
IT contractors prepare for new small-business rule
Rule will give all small firms receiving contracts through preference awards 30 days to report any mergers or acquisitions that affect their size.
Defense
TSA to cut number of names on 'no-fly' list
Requirement to inspect all freight cargo being put on passenger planes would provide only a small, incremental benefit, agency chief says.
Defense
Cash-strapped Army plans cuts to future combat program
Memo emphasized that cuts are budget-driven and not a result of poor contractor performance.
Tech
GSA awards contract for system to gather travel data
Details on more than $15 billion in annual travel-related spending will be used to report on trends.
Management
Employees report more respect for managers than senior leaders
Most respondents to governmentwide survey said they like their jobs and think their work is important; results are largely unchanged from two years ago.
News
Convicted procurement executive dies in prison
Former contracting official was serving an eight-year sentence for extortion, accepting bribes and fraud, but claimed he was innocent.
Tech
GSA launches effort to streamline contracting process
Multiple Award Schedule Express Program seeks to cut time it takes companies to get on lists of approved contractors.
Defense
Lawmakers call on TSA to step up inspections of private planes
A larger staff may be necessary to oversee general aviation, which accounts for three-quarters of U.S. flights.
Defense