Tech

New pact moves Internet body toward independence

Body will no longer be required to report regularly to the Commerce Department; government will play advisory role.

News

GSA launches a new governmentwide technology procurement

Alliant will be worth up to $65 billion over 10 years, but skeptics note flaws in how GSA has handled the effort.

Tech

New IT agreements may reduce DHS reliance on interagency contracts

Department also is working to hire more acquisition workers to oversee contracts, officials say in response to GAO report.

Defense

DHS updates purchase card requirements

Investigators called upon DHS to make changes over summer, in response to reports of fraudulent use of cards after Hurricane Katrina.

Management

Time running out to nominate a Democrat to labor board

Senate Democrats urge President Bush to make an appointment for the required slot.

Tech

Report points to flaws in regulatory agency's IT security

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission agrees to fix weaknesses, but argues password problems are minimal.

Defense

Service Chiefs Speak Out

In this multimedia special report based on a series of special events sponsored by Government Executive , the leaders of the military services address their key challenges.

Pay & Benefits

Health Insurance Choices, Part One

The first in a three-part series on open season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program focuses on fee-for-service plans.

News

Homeland Procurement Office Stretched Thin

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Defense

Border fence vote could require Saturday Senate session

Democrats express little hesitation to run down the clock on the border fence measure.

Management

New Amtrak chief urges more funding

Rail service’s biggest challenge now is lack of capital to finance projects such as bridge and tunnel replacement.

Defense

Contracting problems cited for Iraq construction failures

Officials blame raw sewage oozing from police barracks and large cost overruns on lack of oversight.

Defense

Congress prepared to trim Defense business agency’s budget

Officials say the cuts are not likely to prevent the agency from reaching its goals.

Pay & Benefits

Senators back extending federal benefits to same-sex partners

Two Republican co-sponsors are the first to cross the aisle for the effort.

Defense

Auditors: ICE financial management a work in progress

Bureau’s chief financial officer helping to set a positive tone and actively track progress, reviewers find.

News

Convicted ex-procurement chief granted sentencing delay

Prosecutors set to argue that David Safavian lied at his trial, which could result in a longer sentence.

Management

GOP leader reminded of pledge to boost health, education funding

House Republican moderates are asking for an additional $3 billion; decision likely to wait until after the elections.

Defense

Senators vow tougher chemical security

New measure is needed to clarify that states can surpass federal standards, and require safer technologies and processes, Democrats say.

Pay & Benefits

Grading the Grading System

A new report questions the helpfulness of five-level grading schemes that will be used to decide pay.