Management
Agencies see green in final 2006 management grades
E-government scores see the most change; ratings remain steady in the financial and human capital management areas.
Defense
Report: Exposure to weather wrecked FEMA housing units
Agency advised to clarify what situations require the purchase of modular homes and ensure the units are properly packaged and stored.
Management
Report shows little progress reducing case backlog at OSC
Whistleblower cases referred for investigation jumped in fiscal 2005; advocates say increase doesn’t make up for lost ground.
Defense
DHS preparedness chief aims to recruit career managers
Incoming leader of the House Homeland Security Committee emphasizes the need to improve retention at the department.
Tech
Officials expect congressional oversight of IT to increase
Observers don’t, however, expect drastic changes in government information technology policy.
Management
Lame duck session might boil down to continuing resolution
To-do list includes 10 of 12 remaining fiscal 2007 appropriations bills, but lawmakers may elect to pass a CR instead.
Management
Key federal employee advocates retain seats in midterms
If Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., wins his bid to become House majority leader, civil servants would have a well-placed champion.
Management
Dems take control of House, changing oversight dynamics
Democrats likely to set more proactive agenda on federal employee issues, increase scrutiny of executive branch operations.
Management
GSA centralizes emergency response resources
Agency eliminates old office to create new, enhanced one to meet needs of first responders and others.
Management
IRS still planning public-private contest for computer services
Competition could encompass 2,000 jobs, but a request for proposals scheduled to be released last month has been delayed.
Management
More aggressive tax collections pushed as deficit reduction tool
Amount the IRS actually would be able to gain through stronger enforcement efforts is unclear, however.
Management
Midterm power shifts can breed overconfidence
The aftermaths of the 1946 and 1994 elections offer lessons for Democrats, should they win control of Congress.
Management
Groups push to advance package of Army Corps projects
Bill held up in conference committee negotiations; Senate version has stricter criteria for independent reviews of projects.
Management
Senators call for delay in closing EPA libraries
Legislators join unions and advocacy group in calling for greater scrutiny of closures plan.
Tech
Firm withdraws protest of ID card services contract
GSA officials are weighing how to proceed with next contract for end-to-end services to help agencies meet presidential mandate.
Defense
DHS officials ponder effects of foot-and-mouth outbreak
Spread of disease in United States would cost the economy billions.
Management
Senate oversight panel unlikely to see big post-election changes
Democratic takeover could, however, trigger musical chairs in committee leadership.
Management
Defense unit pitches executive performance management software
About 90 senior executives at acquisition training facility will be taught the program by the end of the year.
Management