Defense

CBP prepares to expand expedited import tracking

Project aims to replace a long-used paper system for processing commercial imports with electronic processing.

Management

Jury still out on Democratic oversight efforts

Quality oversight can bring about meaningful changes to program performance, but oversight can also be a political tool.

Tech

Transportation orders hold on Microsoft upgrades

Department cites cost and compatibility issues in decision to hold off on updates.

Management

Lawmaker renews push to improve management training

Bill would require refreshers every three years on how to evaluate employees and develop performance expectations.

Management

Lawmakers unveil bill to establish public service academy

Measure would help attract young people into government as agencies face retirement wave, sponsors say.

Tech

GSA chief says huge telecom contract to be awarded soon

Lurita Doan says announcement of multi-billion-dollar Networx award will come in "next few days."

Defense

Reconstruction IG urges interagency coordination

Lessons learned report urges better integration of Defense, State and U.S. Agency for International Development, and supports creation of civilian reserve corps.

Defense

DHS privacy czar seeks additional investigators

Office also wants to hire more employees to handle FOIA requests.

Management

House panel backs military health bill banning privatization

Measure is aimed at improving quality of care for wounded service members.

Tech

NASA to unveil tech contract with new name, fee structure

New contracts to launch within days; already low base fee will drop more, but will apply even to small orders.

Management

Long-awaited women’s contracting program may launch soon

Implementation has been slow because SBA wants to make sure guidelines are legally sound, agency official says.

Tech

GSA moves to consolidate IT infrastructure

Changes could save the agency $15 million, but may make administrators’ jobs more complex.

Management

GAO seeks money, staff to expand oversight role

Comptroller general also urges greater transparency in government financial and budget reporting.

Defense

Defense agency, GSA weigh adopting Treasury contract shop

Agency is aiming to give FedSource a new home by Sept. 30; customers could face service disruptions.

Management

Further Complications

Poor management can make a difficult software project impossible.

Tech

OMB sets security standards for Windows computers

Requirements are intended to reduce vulnerabilities and save time and money, but observers caution they aren’t a cure-all.

Defense

Pentagon adds 35,000 employees to new personnel system

Latest installment will bring the total number of civilians working under the performance-based pay system to 113,000.

Defense

DHS still faces hurdles tracking visitor exits by land

Agency still years away from being fully able to verify departures, panelists tell lawmakers.

Defense

Osprey helicopter nears overseas deployment

Skeptics are concerned unresolved safety issues could make the hybrid aircraft vulnerable during combat.

Tech

GSA sees exodus of top officials

Departures of Senior Executive Service members higher than normal in first few months of 2007.