Defense
Lawmaker seeks to set up Defense-industry procurement board
Panel would find ways to identify critical shortfalls in military equipment and streamline the purchase of needed gear.
Management
Dems support expansion of GAO, but question affordability
Head of the audit agency says budget boost would help with heavier workload and allow projects beyond issuing reports.
Management
Reported drop in free tax e-filings revives criticisms
Though participation in program is decreasing, the IRS reports that complaints are down to one per every 2,193 returns.
Management
Union leader advocates more resources for IRS, better use
Agency budget contains legislative proposals aimed at taking a $29 billion bite into the tax gap over 10 years.
Management
Lawmakers aim to settle on budget blueprint soon
House and Senate are close on discretionary spending, with a likely outcome to be overall spending in the $20 billion range above the White House request.
Tech
Senator probes NASA software procurement
Failure to re-bid a $5.2 million contract has a high-ranking finance panel member questioning the agency's acquisition practices.
Management
TSP board awards contract for forms processing
In a $16 million deal, SI International will help process paper transactions faster.
Management
Industry fights measure to bar contractors for immigration violations
Senate-passed spending bill contains language that would penalize contractors breaking immigration laws for up to 10 years.
Management
Intelligence agency employees praise 'performance culture'
But survey shows intelligence community is “still not good enough” in dealing with poor performers.
Management
Diplomatic, intelligence agencies win praise for recruiting
In a speech at the Excellence in Government conference, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte expresses optimism about the future leadership of security agencies.
Tech
GSA organization, labor unions resolve differences
Union members at new Federal Acquisition Service will be protected in terms of transfers, evaluations and position descriptions; training also included.
Management
Bush sidesteps Congress to appoint labor relations, regulatory nominees
Recess appointment brings a Democrat to three-person board adjudicating disputes between unions and agencies.
Tech
Intelligence chief pushes security clearance reform
Adopting private sector methods could save the government time and money, National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell says at Excellence in Government conference.
Management
OMB readies new guidance on measuring job competition savings
Agency official says public-private competitions in 2006 are expected to generate $800 million in savings over five years.
Tech
Backlog of requests for public information growing
Median response times at agencies range from less than 10 days to more than 100, auditors find.
Management
Senator places hold on nominee to lead Army Corps
Hold was placed to protest mismanagement of New Orleans levee system, rather than question the nominee’s qualifications.
Management
NASA urged to align internal, external workforces
Agency generally rates well on employee satisfaction, despite its heavy reliance on contractors.
Management
Labor, Transportation, VA win kudos for performance reports
Officials discuss possibility of requiring agencies to include more performance information in budget justification documents.
Tech