Defense
Advisory panel pleads for consensus on new Iraq strategy
On the divisive issue of troop withdrawals, the group warned against either a precipitous pullback or an open-ended commitment to a large deployment.
Tech
FBI seeks extra funding to avoid delays on tech upgrade
Bureau must come up with $157 million by February to enter contract for second stage of project.
Defense
Navy in search of a fresh strategy for the 21st century
Challenges include potential competition from China, and launching small, near-shore expeditionary ventures.
Management
Pay-for-performance prospects dim, OMB official says
Management chief Clay Johnson says Democratic Congress unlikely to approve legislation tightening link between pay and performance ratings.
Management
Legislators make last-ditch push on postal bill
House Government Reform panel leaders are advancing a proposal they say has a chance of passage this week, but it’s unclear how the Senate will react.
Management
Treading in Gray Areas
Avoiding the appearance of a conflict of interest can be a high wire act.
Tech
Forum offers advice on innovating for government
To become defense contractors someday, small companies must be "viable, visible, capable and credible," executive says.
Tech
Privacy watchdogs urge probe of spying program
White House Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board has been criticized for being a dependent part of the very branch of government it is supposed to oversee.
Defense
Defense nominee acknowledges problems in Iraq
Robert Gates assures Senate committee that if he is confirmed he will work with Congress and take lawmakers’ advice seriously.
Defense
Senator criticizes DHS border plan
Department officials estimate it will take until fiscal 2011 to gain operational control of the nation's borders with Mexico and Canada.
Management
Officials debate threshold for reporting payment errors
Discussions center on the definition of “significant” risk; officials urge legal changes to let agencies share payment information.
Pay & Benefits
Public rates federal jobs poorly on pay, chances for innovation
Still, more than a third of younger survey respondents express interest in government work.
Defense
Senators push for public hearing on Iraq report
Leaders of Senate defense panel invite study group heads to testify Thursday, a day after the group releases its findings.
Defense
Dems promise fast start on changing security grant distribution
Effort would help Democrats meet campaign promises to enact 9/11 Commission recommendations.
Management
OMB looks to boost use of interagency contracts
Survey indicates there may be nearly four times as many single-agency contract arrangements in use as there are interagency ones.
Defense