Management
DHS to move ahead with parts of personnel overhaul
Department will institute aspects of the reforms not ruled illegal, including those involving adverse personnel actions.
Defense
Lawmaker probes contract oversight at DHS agency
Letters to key Homeland Security officials ask for more detail on the budget challenges facing the Federal Protective Service.
Defense
OMB: Benefits of 2006 regulations outweigh costs
Agency reports $44.8 billion in annual benefits, mostly from new air quality limits on soot.
Defense
Committee approves modified contracting reform bill
Panels still are negotiating over language that would expand the number of procurement officials subject to stringent post-employment restrictions.
Tech
House to vote on FOIA overhaul legislation
Bills reach the floor amidst a series of reports criticizing agency responses to public requests for information.
Defense
Dems remove Iran language from bill to boost war funding
House plan includes a lot of add-ons for domestic priorities, and incorporates major contracting reform legislation.
Management
Army medical commander retires over Walter Reed fiasco
Kevin Kiley is the latest casualty; Army convenes board to select new surgeon general.
Tech
Earmarks data now set to go online in phases
Initial installment will include aggregate data on the number and cost of earmarks down to the agency and account level.
Defense
Halliburton retreats from Iraq logistics work
With sale of subsidiary KBR, company distances itself from highly criticized federal contract.
Tech
OMB official: Large agencies better suited as Internet hosts
Move to new GSA telecom service contract will give agencies a chance to review how they manage their networks.
Defense
Study highlights differences between military, civilian leaders
Senior military officials rate higher than their civilian counterparts on leadership, but don't score as well in management.
Management
Panelists suggest focus on job performance first, pay later
Compensation may not be the strongest motivation for doing good work, observers say.
Defense
Rule broadens DHS post-employment lobbying limits
Senior officials will be prohibited from lobbying anywhere in the department for 12 months after they leave.
Tech
Census Bureau exposes personal data on public Web site
Agency has taken “appropriate administrative action” against the employees involved, pending the results of an investigation.
Management
House panel approves open government measures
One bill aims to strengthen FOIA, in part by pressuring agencies to meet a 20-day deadline for responding to information requests.
Defense
Bill to boost war spending has something for everyone
Democrats add $21 billion to Bush's $103 billion request; Republicans say they will only support a “clean” bill focusing on troop support.
Defense
Dems seek funding boost for Afghanistan, domestic programs
Bill would set a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq by next fall; White House threatens a veto.
Defense
Coast Guard aims to hire more contract oversight officials
Agency has already recruited more people to ensure better management of fleet modernization, IG says.
Management
SBA official opposes proposed disaster lending reforms
House bill would let private lenders process SBA loans, require a response plan that addresses past staffing and logistical problems.
Defense