Management

Fourth Quarter Blues

As this term winds down, career employees must stay in the game.

Management

GOP lawmaker concerned about Justice staff departures

The firings of eight federal prosecutors last year will make it hard to attract top candidates to fill vacancies, senator says.

Defense

Auditors raise more questions about FEMA trailer contracts

Work was awarded to companies with poor finances and unrealistic pricing, IG finds.

Defense

Defense procurement chief backs interagency contracts

Top acquisition official says department is looking both inside and out to meet its acquisition needs.

Management

Appropriator open to keeping 2008 bills earmark-free

Full elimination of pet projects still under discussion; idea has prompted concern.

Defense

Forward Observer: Quagmire Costs

Taxpayers are paying more and getting less for their money because of the Pentagon's failure to hold down the costs of new weapons.

Management

NIH officials say Bush budget threatens staff, research

Officials say they're already losing young scientists and cutting back on crucial research efforts.

Management

Bill would bar tax delinquents from federal contracting

OMB opposes measure, saying it would short-circuit suspension and debarment rules.

Defense

House panel probes latest DHS personnel overhaul

Lawmakers question whether Human Capital Operational Plan will address morale problems.

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.