Management

IRS enforcement activities bring in record revenue for 2006

Commissioner says strides in enforcement of tax laws have not come at the expense of customer service.

Defense

Transportation sector lags in joining infrastructure protection effort

Some industries formed councils as early as 2002 to better coordinate security efforts with the government

Tech

Agencies urged to improve IT security tests

Agencies do not know for sure whether their technological systems are properly protected, the Government Accountability Office finds.

Management

Appropriators ask Bush to steer clear of new user fees

Such proposals have been mainstays of Bush's budget blueprints but give appropriators headaches because they have the effect of creating unrealistic offsets for additional spending.

Management

GAO offers oversight advice to new Congress

Personnel reform, integration of Homeland Security agencies, and the government’s emergency response plans are among areas tagged for greater focus.

Defense

Travel groups say U.S. visitors report unfriendly reception

DHS spokesman says study attributing a decline in visitors in part to the way they're treated by government officials at airports is “flawed and self-serving.”

Tech

Budget stalemate may leave newer e-gov efforts in limbo

The next Congress, led by Democrats, could have an opportunity to undo restrictive language.

Management

EPA inspector general nominee awaits partisan panel vote

Critics question nominee's efforts to exempt the Pentagon from environmental regulations when he worked there.

Management

Most agencies get clean audits, but big problems persist

Five agencies with $507.5 billion in spending had problems so severe that auditors were unable to form an opinion on their finances.

Defense

IG: Federal Protective Service slow to pay contractors

Inadequate oversight has contributed to payment for services not received, and has placed employees and facilities at risk, report states.

Management

Senator appeals to White House for help moving spending bills

GOP conservatives are blocking the 10 remaining bills, favoring a long-term continuing resolution free of earmarks.

Defense

Panel votes to extend Iraq reconstruction oversight office

Without the measure, which the full Senate has also passed as an add-on to a spending bill, the office is scheduled to close in October 2007.

Defense

DHS continues to integrate IT contracting processes

Department spends as much as $6 billion annually on technology acquisitions alone.

Management

Army Corps nixes public-private contest for 2,000 jobs

Agency will reorganize employees into a “high-performing organization” and pledges the process won’t involve layoffs.

Defense

Military services questioned over financial management

Service officials acknowledge more work is needed, but tout attempts to transform their business offices over the last year.

Management

UN office: TSA screeners have collective bargaining rights

Union turns to international body after domestic courts reject its case; TSA won't heed the recommendation.

Management

House extends continuing resolution to keep funds flowing

Current resolution expires Friday at midnight.

Management

SBA unveils recertification rules for small businesses

Agency will publish score card tracking agencies' progress on meeting small business contracting goals.

Defense

Homeland Security chief touts progress filling senior positions

FEMA is at its highest staffing level this year, but is still falling short of meeting its hiring goals.

Tech

Agencies share secrets for boosting e-gov grades

Transportation Department and Small Business Administration jump from lowest ranking to highest in just a few months.