Management

Postal Service, mailing industry hope for overhaul by spring

Postal officials say if Congress doesn't move quickly, a hefty rate hike will be needed.

Management

Omnibus spending measure provides little wiggle room for agencies

The package of appropriations bills amounts to a freeze in domestic discretionary spending.

Defense

Bush orders CIA, FBI to boost hiring

The CIA must increase employment in key positions by 50 percent, while the FBI must create a specialized intelligence workforce.

Management

I Spy Mismanagement

The CIA's current turmoil is a predictable byproduct of woefully inadequate management and poor communication, say intelligence experts and management gurus.

Management

Postal officials immune from anthrax lawsuit, judge rules

Judge says employee allegations “shock the conscience,” but top postal officials do not bear civil liability.

Management

Job competition controversy a replay from previous years

Language limiting competitions once again dropped in the final hour of negotiations; supporters seek new strategy for next year.

Management

Senate confirms federal procurement chief

David Safavian to move into position that has been vacant for more than a year.

Management

Patent office gets more money, but fees may be diverted

Agency succeeds in winning specifically allocated funding to hire more examiners.

Management

White House reaches agreement to free up nominations

Incoming Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had held up 172 Bush nominees in an effort to get his top science adviser a seat on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Defense

Pentagon decides to reopen competition for tanker contract

Move could frustrate Boeing's bid to provide KC-767 tankers to the Air Force.

Management

Amtrak headed toward failure, says inspector general

Lack of investment has caused delays and deterioration of rail system.

Defense

Senator reveals Air Force-Boeing e-mail exchanges, demands accountability

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., accuses Air Force of "either a systemic failure in procurement oversight, willful blindness or rank corruption."

Management

Agencies say GAO overlooked key issues in embassy construction audit

Program would assess fees to departments using space abroad, but complaints say agencies would have no say in embassy building.

Management

Congress drops effort to limit Bush job competition initiative

After White House veto threat, lawmakers drop provisions in omnibus appropriations bill that would have limited competitive sourcing effort.

Management

AID cancels commodities purchase as funds run low

Food aid advocates urge Bush administration to make immediate use of special trust fund and ask for supplemental appropriation next year.

Management

Web site encourages exchange of acquisition ‘best practices’

Site prompts flow of ideas between government and private sector.

Management

Management challenges abound, says Transportation IG

Amtrak, FAA struggle to balance budgets and maintain quality of train and air services.

Management

Group calls for speedy appointments to science and technology advisory boards

National Academies committee warns against politicizing process of naming top scientists and engineers.