Tech

Allegations against GSA chief may affect budget

Appropriator says unless charges of Hatch Act violations are resolved, he will have trouble fighting off efforts to cut funding for the agency.

Management

Make Me Laugh

Serious bureaucracy needs a good kick in the funny bone.

Management

Senators unveil measure requiring agencies to cut energy use

Bill would force the government to take several steps toward energy efficiency, including boosting renewable energy purchases.

Management

Postal Service does not foresee layoffs despite pressures

Lawmakers express concern about potential measures to cut labor costs, which take up 80 percent of the agency’s budget.

Defense

Coast Guard to take over management of fleet upgrade

Service will decommission eight new 123-foot patrol boats converted under the program, now has fewer boats to meet expanded mission.

Defense

Lawmakers seek Justice probe of Deepwater problems

Committee has called nearly 20 industry and government officials to testify at a hearing to examine missteps in fleet upgrade program.

Tech

Justice taps contractor for troubled wireless project

Interagency program has struggled in part because of a fractured relationship between the Justice and Homeland Security departments.

Management

NASA waiver to job competition rules brings in more outsiders

Nonagency bidders won 89 percent of new research and development awards under special competition procedure.

Tech

Auditors cite security problems with IRS wireless networks

Inspections in 10 cities turn up at least one unauthorized network.

Defense

Defense official urges use of GSA contract vehicle

Offerings could help Pentagon fulfill congressional mandate for contracting with small firms owned by service-disabled veterans.

Management

Clinton’s management ideas echo ‘reinventing government’ effort

Observers welcome early focus on federal management, look for details on proposal to trim 500,000 contractors.

Defense

Union, immigration agency move toward new contract

Agency still is operating under an agreement reached before the formation of the Homeland Security Department.

Management

Human capital officers' council outlines structural changes

Group’s annual report to lawmakers notes extended involvement in training academy, realignment of subcommittees.

Defense

Katrina reconstruction effort lacks long-term strategy

Project is at a “critical turning point," GAO official says; Louisiana senator takes hard line on funds for rebuilding levees.

Management

Senate panel backs stiff penalties for war profiteering

Measure would allow prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines of $1 million or twice the gross profits from the scheme.

Tech

Agencies’ cybersecurity scores on the rise

Eight still fail annual review; lawmaker exploring ways to provide incentives for good grades.

Tech

IRS seeks to guide taxpayers to Internet and phone help

Plan would aim to preserve access to face-to-face consultations, but expand use of less costly services.

Management

Smithsonian problems include $2.5 billion maintenance, repair list

High-profile members of the institution's oversight board may not be able to put in the necessary time and attention, senator says.

Management

Agencies launch air traffic training for disabled veterans

Program partly aimed at offsetting anticipated retirements at the FAA.

Management

Political e-mails trigger surge in Hatch Act complaints

The Office of Special Counsel recorded 299 complaints last year -- an all-time high for the independent investigative agency.