Defense
Lawmakers hear flurry of reasons for failure in Iraqi police training
Lack of training in civil subjects, stresses on staffing and poor contract oversight blamed for setbacks.
Defense
Bill would keep Defense labs out of new personnel system
Pay-for-performance demonstration projects are working, so there’s no need to move employees to the National Security Personnel System, sponsor says.
Management
Panel backs measure to curb contract bundling
Bill also would increase goal for federal contract dollars going to small firms, from 23 percent to 30 percent.
Management
Science agencies' media policy draws fire
Policy prevents scientists at two agencies from making personal statements in interviews on federal property or during work hours.
Management
GOP lawmaker concerned about Justice staff departures
The firings of eight federal prosecutors last year will make it hard to attract top candidates to fill vacancies, senator says.
Defense
Auditors raise more questions about FEMA trailer contracts
Work was awarded to companies with poor finances and unrealistic pricing, IG finds.
Defense
Defense procurement chief backs interagency contracts
Top acquisition official says department is looking both inside and out to meet its acquisition needs.
Management
Appropriator open to keeping 2008 bills earmark-free
Full elimination of pet projects still under discussion; idea has prompted concern.
Defense
Forward Observer: Quagmire Costs
Taxpayers are paying more and getting less for their money because of the Pentagon's failure to hold down the costs of new weapons.
Management
NIH officials say Bush budget threatens staff, research
Officials say they're already losing young scientists and cutting back on crucial research efforts.
Management
Bill would bar tax delinquents from federal contracting
OMB opposes measure, saying it would short-circuit suspension and debarment rules.
Defense
House panel probes latest DHS personnel overhaul
Lawmakers question whether Human Capital Operational Plan will address morale problems.
Tech
Agency officials say info security law falls short
The 2002 Federal Information Security Management Act fails to measure how secure agencies actually are, they say.
Management
GAO's bid for more money puts focus on staffing needs
Agency chief points out that GAO's budget, adjusting for inflation, has declined by 3 percent since 2003.
Defense
Senators question millions in defense firm's award fees
KBR received generous payments despite criticisms almost every month relating to costs and contract management.
Management
Distance between best and worst agencies to work widens
Homeland Security Department remains near the bottom of the employee satisfaction rankings.
Defense
House panel questions plan to trim federal guards
Homeland Security official says proposal to rely on contract security personnel would refocus resources without diminishing protection.
Tech
OMB reports progress in IT management
Agencies are doing a better job planning technology investments, but more initiatives have been marked as needing high-level attention.
Management