Defense
DHS announces $445 million in infrastructure protection grants
The bulk of funds available in 2007 will go toward transit and port security.
Defense
Military justice code now covers some contractors
Advocates for contractors say rule change is ill-advised and unlikely to be applied immediately.
Tech
Audit could recoup millions in mistaken Navy telecom payments
Effort will attempt to identify mistakes such as payments on noncompliant contracts or nonoperating circuits, and double billing.
Management
Tax season begins with policy changes, e-filing push
Taxpayers who wish to file electronically can do so through authorized tax preparers, over-the-counter software and the Free File program.
Tech
High-ranking GSA acquisition official to retire
Departure of G. Martin Wagner marks second time in recent months that a senior GSA official involved in e-gov efforts has announced plans to leave.
Defense
Teamsters seek rail security focus
Government and the private sector should collaborate to add more security personnel, officials say.
Tech
GAO: Interior office lacks timetable for trust fund reforms
Office charged with implementing management changes also lacks adequate strategy for operations once reforms are complete.
Management
NASA workers fight layoffs, seek spaceship aid
Agency had planned to cut up to 2,673 employees by the end of fiscal 2006, but senators proposed a moratorium on layoffs.
Defense
Watchdog group urges Congress to attack contractor misconduct
Greater transparency, conflicts of interest also on advocates’ wish list.
Tech
GSA to manage contracts for consolidating personnel systems
The Office of Personnel Management will retain control over the much of the program, including requirements for service providers.
Defense
Bush taps former NSA chief as intelligence director
Nominee pledges further information sharing among agencies; Bush urges swift confirmation.
Defense
Panel leaders sign pact to share oversight of FEMA, Coast Guard
Chairmen of the House Transportation and Homeland Security committees in the last session of Congress disagreed on FEMA overhaul.
Defense
Bill would target wartime contracting fraud
Current law makes it hard to build criminal cases against firms abusing taxpayers’ money on projects in Iraq, measure’s sponsor says.
Defense
House Dems unveil sweeping post-9/11 security measure
Bill would increase risk-based grant allocations and step up cargo screening; would not reform congressional oversight of DHS.
Management
New appropriations leaders aim to finish fiscal 2008 bills on time
Panel chairs agree on a lineup of 12 subcommittees that matches up cleanly in both chambers.
Management
Social Security employees face $3.8 million in work-related fines
Union officials call allegations against four employees “absurd,” arguing they were acting in the line of duty.
Defense
Union blasts final TSA rule on port ID cards
Workers may be required to purchase cards before equipment is ready to read them.
Defense
Military seeks extra funding to cover shortages for base closures
Absent additions to spending measure, services could face a $4 billion shortfall for base closures and realignments approved in 2005.
Tech
OPM clarifies policies affecting teleworkers’ pay
Requirement that employees report to their official work site at least once a week has caused frustration.
Management