Tech
GSA sees exodus of top officials
Departures of Senior Executive Service members higher than normal in first few months of 2007.
Management
Ex-Bush aide defends changes to global warming reports
Official tells lawmakers he simply suggested alterations, not final edits.
Defense
Officials describe risks in Army transformation program
Acquisition official says contracting strategy is “experimental;” GAO cites technology issues.
Defense
Senate bill would transfer agriculture inspectors out of DHS
Measure proposed in part to address concerns about a lack of resources for checks to adequately protect against foreign pests.
Management
House appropriator seeks extension of earmark deadline
Members express concern that new rules governing earmarks have led to confusion.
Management
Justice insiders give advice on job competitions
Developing a proposal to compete against contractors is time-consuming and difficult, but also rewarding, team leaders say.
Tech
DHS boosts power of chief information officer
Critics say the move is long overdue and doesn't go far enough.
Management
Small business panel votes to retool disaster relief programs
Measure calls for a comprehensive response plan and charges the SBA administrator with conducting annual simulations.
Defense
Whistleblower legislation faces veto threat
Bill would boost protections for employees in security and science agencies from retaliation for disclosing mismanagement.
Management
Agency tries to get word out against political e-mails
Recent cases could help educate federal employees on activities prohibited under the Hatch Act.
Management
House passes contracting reform bill
Focus on noncompetitive arrangements and audit disclosures differs from that of a Senate contracting measure.
Management
Union, GSA at odds over personnel policies after merger
Union blames stalled discussions partly on agency using a contractor to represent it.
Defense
DHS tech chief wants broadband for first responders
Access to high-speed networks would enable responders to receive federal broadcasts and warnings.
Management
House passes FOIA bill over White House protests
Administration stops short of a veto threat, but says the measure would impose administrative and financial burdens on agencies.
Defense
Coast Guard cancels patrol boat contract
Agency will be more involved in managing the program, and will solicit new bids for design and development work.
Defense
Academics urge Congress to go beyond acquisition panel proposals
Researchers characterize recommendations as careful, say bid protests and other accountability measures should apply to all purchases.
Tech
HUD leads way in massive IT consolidation effort
Most of the department’s computer system infrastructure has been outsourced; costs have fallen 20 percent.
Management