Tech

IT contractors prepare for new small-business rule

Rule will give all small firms receiving contracts through preference awards 30 days to report any mergers or acquisitions that affect their size.

Defense

Cash-strapped Army plans cuts to future combat program

Memo emphasized that cuts are budget-driven and not a result of poor contractor performance.

Tech

GSA awards contract for system to gather travel data

Details on more than $15 billion in annual travel-related spending will be used to report on trends.

Management

Employees report more respect for managers than senior leaders

Most respondents to governmentwide survey said they like their jobs and think their work is important; results are largely unchanged from two years ago.

Tech

GSA launches effort to streamline contracting process

Multiple Award Schedule Express Program seeks to cut time it takes companies to get on lists of approved contractors.

Defense

Lawmakers call on TSA to step up inspections of private planes

A larger staff may be necessary to oversee general aviation, which accounts for three-quarters of U.S. flights.

Defense

Defense reluctant to share data on Iraqi troop readiness

GAO chief says the information would help lawmakers engage in constructive oversight.

Defense

Industry counts on Democrats to support Defense spending

Democrats will have to balance tough oversight with funding to meet emerging threats and to support troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Management

Senators reintroduce Amtrak funding legislation

The House blocked a similar bill in 2005, but supporters say the measure has a better chance of passage with Democrats in control.

Management

Majority leader says budget plan will test GOP commitment

The budget was mentioned as one of the major issues Democrats will take up after they complete their "100 hours" agenda.

Defense

Advisory council seeks tighter cyber security net

Council also approves report on avian flu preparations, recommending prioritization of workers to receive vaccines.

Management

Energy plan could free up $14 billion over a decade

Package aims to help the government recoup lost royalties on leases written by Interior Department officials, for a net gain of $6.3 billion.

Management

Research group finds flaws in proposed risk analysis guidelines

Administration agrees not to implement proposal; renominates controversial pick to head regulatory office.

Tech

GSA to award new contract for ID card services

Agency officials expect to make an award to one company sometime this spring.

Defense

Agencies detail massive effort to evacuate Lebanon

For some stranded Americans, help from the government did not come soon enough.

Defense

Auditors find Customs, Border agency violated financial rules

Inspector general's report calls for multiple management improvements.

Management

Senators propose group to focus on looming fiscal mess

Goal is to come up with solutions to problems such as the cost of providing benefits to retiring baby boomers.

Management

OPM finalizes rule tying bonuses to performance

Regulation contains few changes from draft version, despite concerns awards will be swayed by favoritism.

Defense

Rice announces new Iraq reconstruction coordinator

Administration offers no details on increasing the number of federal civilians in Iraq, commits to adding military-civilian reconstruction teams.

Defense

Advisers urge DHS chief to seek intel community’s support

Advisory panel also says department should seek the equivalent of a chief operating officer.