Defense

House leader to seek boost in health premium subsidy

Steny Hoyer, D-Md., again backs measure that would raise the share of premiums covered by the government from 72 percent to 80 percent.

Management

Budget office outlines range of options on spending, revenue

Eliminating future combat program to fight rising defense costs would save $62 billion over the next decade, office estimates.

Management

White House hands over more climate change documents

House panel requested the information as part of a probe into potential attempts to alter scientific reports on global warming.

Tech

GSA chief seeks probe of inspector general's office

Lawyer for agency administrator Lurita Doan requests an inquiry into whether IG officials leaked information on an investigation of her.

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.

Management

Geographic Cure

The emergency medical system returns home, hopefully to better health.

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.