Tech

Census Bureau exposes personal data on public Web site

Agency has taken “appropriate administrative action” against the employees involved, pending the results of an investigation.

Management

House panel approves open government measures

One bill aims to strengthen FOIA, in part by pressuring agencies to meet a 20-day deadline for responding to information requests.

Defense

Bill to boost war spending has something for everyone

Democrats add $21 billion to Bush's $103 billion request; Republicans say they will only support a “clean” bill focusing on troop support.

Defense

Dems seek funding boost for Afghanistan, domestic programs

Bill would set a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq by next fall; White House threatens a veto.

Defense

Coast Guard aims to hire more contract oversight officials

Agency has already recruited more people to ensure better management of fleet modernization, IG says.

Management

SBA official opposes proposed disaster lending reforms

House bill would let private lenders process SBA loans, require a response plan that addresses past staffing and logistical problems.

Defense

Law, PR firms help contractors navigate reconstruction inquiries

The Iraq procurement mess is hardly surprising given the lack of contracting systems and oversight processes in place initially, lawyers say.

Tech

Commission issues guidebook on data security

Federal Trade Commission stands ready to help agencies craft security plans that meet their needs, chairwoman says.

Defense

As FAA seeks to add controllers, union pleads for contract

Lawmakers don’t commit to taking action, but pledge more hearings.

Management

FOIA reform bill moves through House subcommittee

Legislation would pressure agencies to meet deadline to respond to information requests within 20 days.

Management

Labor leaders seek permanent job competition limits

Union officials urge House panel to renew restrictions on competition from private firms for federal work, and make pitch for higher pay raise.

Defense

Defense officials catalog acquisition initiatives

Many of the programs listed in a report to Congress reflect long-running department efforts or implement basic concepts.

Defense

Rail representatives rip DHS grants bureaucracy

Amtrak inspector general highlights vast differences between airport and ground transit security.

Tech

GSA acquisition chief may face steep learning curve

Critics say Molly Wilkinson lacks the necessary experience to succeed as the chief acquisition officer.

Management

Guarding the Purse Strings

Members of Congress are making the earmark process more transparent, but they’re still asserting their authority to direct money to special projects.

Management

Lawmakers weigh intervention in Defense personnel reforms

Congressional action may be needed to help unions and agency officials stop battling over the changes, panel members say.

Management

Study recommends sweeping overhaul of Army Corps budgeting

Current ad hoc funding prevents planning and undermines disaster preparedness, panel finds.

Tech

House panel raises new allegations against GSA chief

Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman says probe has uncovered evidence of improper political and contracting activity.

Defense

Lawmakers say TSA whistleblower rights provision goes too far

If language in a rail security bill is enacted, whistleblowers could gain an unfair advantage in cases alleging retaliation, panel members say.

Management

Officials say outsourcing partly to blame for Walter Reed failures

Public-private job competition was based on outdated, pre-9/11 workload estimates, September memorandum warned.