Tech

Database firm rejects TSA's pre-screening approach

ChoicePoint CEO Derek Smith says the airline passenger pre-screening system in development is too much like the controversial Terrorism Information Awareness data-mining project.

Management

Senate panel to give diploma mills the third degree

While investigating fake degree-granting institutions, GAO auditors obtained two diplomas under a Senate leader's name.

Management

VA offers plan to close hospitals, build clinics

VA Secretary Anthony Principi seeks billions of dollars for construction of outpatient facilities.

Management

OMB backs congressional effort to review programs

An Office of Management and Budget official offers qualified support for base-closing style legislation aimed at killing poor-performing programs.

Defense

Agencies set security plan for high-profile events

An interagency working group grapples with how to handle events ranging from the dedication of the World War II memorial to the national political conventions.

Management

House committee advances DHS financial accountability bill

Measure would require the creation of a chief financial officer at the Homeland Security Department.

Defense

OPM puts security clearance merger plans on ice

Agency postpones absorbing Defense unit, a move that may have speeded up the security clearance process at the Pentagon.

Management

Coast Guard weighs changes to multibillion-dollar modernization deal

The service struggles to keep pace with homeland security demands.

Management

Leading vs. Managing

There's a big difference between the two, readers said in their reactions to last week's column.

Management

OMB boasts progress in eliminating government waste

In a report to lawmakers released Tuesday, the Bush administration touted agencies' progress at spending taxpayer dollars more efficiently.

Management

Draft postal overhaul bill draws criticism from mailers

The bill would not grant the agency the broad rate-setting freedom recommended by the President's Commission on the Postal Service.

Management

Los Alamos steps up purchase card oversight

Los Alamos is taking steps to prevent purchase card fraud similar to that exposed by two whistleblowers in the fall of 2002, according to Energy Department investigators.

Management

Foodborne illnesses decline; federal role credited

Since 1996, when three agencies set up a system to track diseases transmitted through food, the incidence of such illnesses has dropped sharply.

Management

OMB procurement nominee may rethink controversial policies

David Safavian said he favors expansion of federal employees’ rights to challenge job competition decisions, and might eliminate a requirement for regular re-competitions.

Management

Senate panel votes to end diversion of patent fees

Without a whisper of dissent, the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed Thursday a House bill that raises fees for the Patent and Trademark Office and lets the agency keep its own money.

Management

House chairman introduces procurement reform bill

Tom Davis' latest effort would boost share-in-savings contracts and set up a government-industry exchange program.

Management

Lawmakers push bill to improve charge-card shopping

Legislation is designed to help government purchase cardholders spend more wisely and get bigger discounts.

Management

It's a Zoo

The debut of our new interactive column looks at the effort to bring coherent management to the National Zoo.