Tech

Agency officials say info security law falls short

The 2002 Federal Information Security Management Act fails to measure how secure agencies actually are, they say.

Management

GAO's bid for more money puts focus on staffing needs

Agency chief points out that GAO's budget, adjusting for inflation, has declined by 3 percent since 2003.

Defense

Senators question millions in defense firm's award fees

KBR received generous payments despite criticisms almost every month relating to costs and contract management.

Management

Distance between best and worst agencies to work widens

Homeland Security Department remains near the bottom of the employee satisfaction rankings.

Defense

House panel questions plan to trim federal guards

Homeland Security official says proposal to rely on contract security personnel would refocus resources without diminishing protection.

Tech

OMB reports progress in IT management

Agencies are doing a better job planning technology investments, but more initiatives have been marked as needing high-level attention.

Management

Settlement allows Army Corps to shift IT work

Losing bidder Northrop Grumman had appealed decision to award work to team made up of federal employees and contractors from Lockheed Martin.

Tech

Allegations against GSA chief may affect budget

Appropriator says unless charges of Hatch Act violations are resolved, he will have trouble fighting off efforts to cut funding for the agency.

Management

Make Me Laugh

Serious bureaucracy needs a good kick in the funny bone.

Management

Senators unveil measure requiring agencies to cut energy use

Bill would force the government to take several steps toward energy efficiency, including boosting renewable energy purchases.

Management

Postal Service does not foresee layoffs despite pressures

Lawmakers express concern about potential measures to cut labor costs, which take up 80 percent of the agency’s budget.

Defense

Coast Guard to take over management of fleet upgrade

Service will decommission eight new 123-foot patrol boats converted under the program, now has fewer boats to meet expanded mission.

Defense

Lawmakers seek Justice probe of Deepwater problems

Committee has called nearly 20 industry and government officials to testify at a hearing to examine missteps in fleet upgrade program.

Tech

Justice taps contractor for troubled wireless project

Interagency program has struggled in part because of a fractured relationship between the Justice and Homeland Security departments.

Management

NASA waiver to job competition rules brings in more outsiders

Nonagency bidders won 89 percent of new research and development awards under special competition procedure.

Tech

Auditors cite security problems with IRS wireless networks

Inspections in 10 cities turn up at least one unauthorized network.

Defense

Defense official urges use of GSA contract vehicle

Offerings could help Pentagon fulfill congressional mandate for contracting with small firms owned by service-disabled veterans.

Management

Clinton’s management ideas echo ‘reinventing government’ effort

Observers welcome early focus on federal management, look for details on proposal to trim 500,000 contractors.

Defense

Union, immigration agency move toward new contract

Agency still is operating under an agreement reached before the formation of the Homeland Security Department.

Management

Human capital officers' council outlines structural changes

Group’s annual report to lawmakers notes extended involvement in training academy, realignment of subcommittees.