Management
Rule would require ethics policies for big contractors
Most large companies already have practices in place that would satisfy the proposal, observers say.
Defense
Immigration agency outsources food service at detention centers
Bureau expects to save $5 million over three years by contracting the work to an Alaska Native firm, but some are skeptical the transition will go smoothly.
Defense
Senator introduces contracting reform legislation
Bill would limit subcontracting, boost competition and transparency, and address acquisition workforce problems.
Tech
OMB: Financial system consolidation already tested
Over the past decade, seven large agencies have moved to shared service centers for financial management systems, administration officials say.
Management
Nonprofit wins grant to offer federal management training
The $4 million award also will go toward bringing speakers to educate young people about public service.
Defense
Senators seek probe of Federal Protective Service budget issues
Lawmakers ask GAO to look into the service’s placement, and its ability to manage contract guards.
Defense
DHS seeks to expand information-sharing program
Involving more agencies would facilitate faster exchanges of knowledge about cyber-threats and attacks, official says.
Defense
Report: Emergency health officers strained for time to train
More than half of the officers who responded to the 2005 hurricanes lacked previous deployment experience, IG finds.
Tech
GSA weighing tiered fee structure for telecom contracts
Such an arrangement would allow agencies that receive fewer services to pay lower overhead.
Tech
Group upgrades federal spending Web site
New feature will allow outside users to incorporate search results into their own computer applications.
Defense
Officials urge international collaboration to fight child pornography
Offenders are shifting away from pay-per-view sites to new networks, investigators say.
Tech
Google moves ahead with plan to open up federal Web sites
Three government entities are now using a publicly available tool to make reams of information more accessible to Internet searchers.
Management
Payouts to NASA contractors questioned
Officials have failed to tie award fees, which average 90 percent of the maximum amount allowed, to program outcomes, GAO finds.
Tech
Research service suggests test runs for financial system consolidation
Pilot projects may avoid costly mistakes in moving agencies to shared service centers, report says.
Management
Budget formulation needs sharper tools than spreadsheets, scholars say
Offices increasingly are called upon to link budget, program performance and cost, creating a need for sophisticated technology.
Defense
Lawmakers seek update on FBI probe of Los Alamos breach
Energy and Commerce Committee members also ask for views on aspects of the security clearance process at the Energy Department.
Management
Interior IG: Senior execs 'immune' from punishment
Rank-and-file employees are disciplined more strictly and more often than their supervisors, investigator tells lawmakers.
Management
OMB chief tells agencies to ignore earmarks not written into law
The fiscal 2007 full-year funding measure for domestic agencies signed into law Thursday by President Bush contains no new earmarks.
Defense