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.
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.
Management
Ex-Bush aide defends changes to global warming reports
Official tells lawmakers he simply suggested alterations, not final edits.
Defense
Officials describe risks in Army transformation program
Acquisition official says contracting strategy is “experimental;” GAO cites technology issues.
Defense
Senate bill would transfer agriculture inspectors out of DHS
Measure proposed in part to address concerns about a lack of resources for checks to adequately protect against foreign pests.
Management
House appropriator seeks extension of earmark deadline
Members express concern that new rules governing earmarks have led to confusion.
Management
Justice insiders give advice on job competitions
Developing a proposal to compete against contractors is time-consuming and difficult, but also rewarding, team leaders say.
Tech
DHS boosts power of chief information officer
Critics say the move is long overdue and doesn't go far enough.
Management
Small business panel votes to retool disaster relief programs
Measure calls for a comprehensive response plan and charges the SBA administrator with conducting annual simulations.
Defense
Whistleblower legislation faces veto threat
Bill would boost protections for employees in security and science agencies from retaliation for disclosing mismanagement.
Management
Agency tries to get word out against political e-mails
Recent cases could help educate federal employees on activities prohibited under the Hatch Act.
Management