Management
OPM pledges to help speed hiring of Social Security judges
New list of eligible hires would help SSA address record disability appeals backlog.
Management
House members gear up for 2008 appropriations process
Defense bill likely to move last, making it the one that will push discretionary spending over President Bush’s limit.
Management
Senator removes hold on nominee to lead Army Corps
Nominee now likely to be confirmed in a “matter of days;” hold was placed to protest mismanagement of New Orleans levees.
Defense
Union official, FEMA clash over morale issues
Labor leader seeks congressional "rescue" of agency; FEMA spokesman calls statements "worthless."
Defense
Senators to meet on immigration reform
Core issues, such as whether illegal immigrants can earn citizenship without leaving the country, still under discussion.
Defense
Iraq reconstruction projects fall back into disrepair
Funding, project management agencies say they have no authority to help Iraqis operate new equipment and maintain refurbished buildings.
Defense
Pentagon, State struggle to define nation-building roles
As the Pentagon moves to fill short-term gaps, it is pushing to get civilian agencies the money and authorizations they need.
Defense
Watchdog: Projects in Iraq at risk for fraud, waste and abuse
Ongoing contract management problems and lack of contractor head count contribute to problems.
Management
Agencies report rise in student loan repayments
Budget limitations and tax liabilities remain obstacles to offering the benefit.
Management
GAO settles pay dispute with 12 of 308 senior analysts
Counsel finds data and calculations used to conduct the employees' performance evaluations were flawed.
Management
Labor secretary grilled over 2008 budget
Appropriator also takes department to task for awarding too many non-competitive contracts.
Defense
OMB requires new acquisition certification for managers
Under three-tier system, program and project managers will get training and certification for procurement-related work.
Management
IG says GSA chief may have broken ethics, contracting rules
Investigators find Lurita Doan committed the agency to an inappropriate no-bid contract that had to be ended “for convenience.”
Management
Panel backs stronger oversight of Coast Guard fleet upgrade
Bill would effectively end contractor self-certification, which limited the agency's direct control over quality and standards.
Defense
Measure to fight war profiteering moves to full Senate
Bill would impose prison sentences and fines on those found to have knowingly defrauded or overcharged the government.
Management
Lawmaker threatens to trim FDA managers’ salaries
Appropriator says cuts will come if the agency fails to follow advice on improving food plant inspections, enforcement and performance standards.
Defense
Lawmakers hear flurry of reasons for failure in Iraqi police training
Lack of training in civil subjects, stresses on staffing and poor contract oversight blamed for setbacks.
Defense
Bill would keep Defense labs out of new personnel system
Pay-for-performance demonstration projects are working, so there’s no need to move employees to the National Security Personnel System, sponsor says.
Management
Panel backs measure to curb contract bundling
Bill also would increase goal for federal contract dollars going to small firms, from 23 percent to 30 percent.
Management