Defense
Border agency retreats on employee political activities
Spokesman says supervisor “mistakenly told employees” they had to clear volunteer political activities on their own time with higher-ups.
Tech
9/11 overhaul likely to include cybersecurity provision
Measure would raise profile of Homeland Security Department's cybersecurity director to increase focus on protecting against cyberattack.
News
Postmaster general warns of rate hike if reform bill stalls
Swift passage of measure is necessary for Postal Service's financial planning, says Jack Potter.
Management
Agencies urged to conduct to extensive analyses of purchases
GAO recommends agencies adopt a popular private sector analysis method to help lower the cost of goods and services.
Management
Social Security, union clash over sexual orientation contract provisions
Union claims agency seeks to remove provisions allowing gays and lesbians to file grievances alleging discrimination.
Defense
CIA refuses to release historical budget data
Agency officials say disclosure of budget information might jeopardize U.S. intelligence sources and methods.
Tech
GSA upgrades purchasing Web site
New system allows buyers to search by category, which may shorten buying time.
Defense
Army learns to live in state of high anxiety
The effort to transform the Army at a time when it is leading operations in Iraq and Afghanistan has resulted in one of the most unsettling periods in the service's long history.
Defense
Congress hurtles toward intelligence overhaul
House, Senate are taking different approaches, but major reorganization is likely either before or shortly after the election.
Defense
Pentagon must improve long-term reserve planning, report says
The Government Accountability Office calls on the Pentagon to improve its planning for mobilizing and managing reserve forces.
Management
EEOC approves plan for national customer service center
Under the proposal endorsed by three of four commissioners, a contractor would set up and run the center.
Pay & Benefits
Pushing HSAs
Bush administration officials and the Office of Personnel Management are bullish on Health Savings Accounts.
Management
Sweeping Postal Service reform measure advances in House
The bill, years in the making, incorporates recommendations of a presidential postal reform commission.
Defense
House lawmakers target billions for public transportation security
New legislation would require more cooperation and planning between the Homeland Security and Transportation departments to protect transit systems.
Pay & Benefits
Some TSP services suspended due to Hurricane Ivan
The National Finance Center, which handles administrative duties for the Thrift Savings Plan, narrowly avoided a hit from a hurricane this week.
Management
Temporary funding measure still a possibility
Congressional leaders discuss what can be completed in the time left before a scheduled Oct. 8 adjournment.
Defense
Air Force grounds 29 refueling tankers over safety issue
The order comes amid a flurry of disputes over the Air Force's tanker replacement plan.
Management