Defense

Feds prepare state, local governments for terrorist attacks

The federal government has spent the past five years in a race to help local governments prepare for a chemical attack by terrorists. The initial sprint was good; the middle distance is proving to be harder.

Management

Powell plans hiring, technology initiatives if budget hike approved

Secretary of State Colin Powell is asking Congress for a 14 percent increase in the State Department’s operating budget next year, with much of the money aimed at filling job vacancies, buying new computer equipment and improving embassy security.

Management

Bush outsourcing plan may revitalize fizzling FAIR Act

A growing number of observers say challenging agency outsourcing lists under the FAIR Act is a waste of time. But a Bush administration plan to put hundreds of thousands of jobs up for competition may change that.

Management

Medicare overpayments cut by half

Management

Thompson pledges to hold agencies accountable for results

The chair of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee pledged Friday to hold agencies accountable for results, saying accountability can cure the government’s pervasive management problems.

Management

Postal Service to halt new construction

The Postal Service on Thursday delivered more bad news to stakeholders: The agency will halt construction projects this year in a cost-cutting effort.

Management

Pentagon urged to set up management reform task force

A task force is needed to address ongoing problems and hasten reform efforts at the Defense Department, the head of the General Accounting Office said Wednesday.

Management

Administration to consider privatizing air traffic control

The Bush administration is likely to consider privatizing the nation’s air traffic control system, but observers say the proposal won't be an easy sell.

Management

Agencies turn in audits on time--and most pass muster

For the first time ever, all 24 federal agencies covered by the 1990 Chief Financial Officers Act turned in audited financial statements on time this year.