Tech
Commission issues guidebook on data security
Federal Trade Commission stands ready to help agencies craft security plans that meet their needs, chairwoman says.
Defense
As FAA seeks to add controllers, union pleads for contract
Lawmakers don’t commit to taking action, but pledge more hearings.
Management
FOIA reform bill moves through House subcommittee
Legislation would pressure agencies to meet deadline to respond to information requests within 20 days.
Management
Labor leaders seek permanent job competition limits
Union officials urge House panel to renew restrictions on competition from private firms for federal work, and make pitch for higher pay raise.
Defense
Defense officials catalog acquisition initiatives
Many of the programs listed in a report to Congress reflect long-running department efforts or implement basic concepts.
Defense
Rail representatives rip DHS grants bureaucracy
Amtrak inspector general highlights vast differences between airport and ground transit security.
Tech
GSA acquisition chief may face steep learning curve
Critics say Molly Wilkinson lacks the necessary experience to succeed as the chief acquisition officer.
Management
Guarding the Purse Strings
Members of Congress are making the earmark process more transparent, but they’re still asserting their authority to direct money to special projects.
Management
Lawmakers weigh intervention in Defense personnel reforms
Congressional action may be needed to help unions and agency officials stop battling over the changes, panel members say.
Management
Study recommends sweeping overhaul of Army Corps budgeting
Current ad hoc funding prevents planning and undermines disaster preparedness, panel finds.
Tech
House panel raises new allegations against GSA chief
Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman says probe has uncovered evidence of improper political and contracting activity.
Defense
Lawmakers say TSA whistleblower rights provision goes too far
If language in a rail security bill is enacted, whistleblowers could gain an unfair advantage in cases alleging retaliation, panel members say.
Management
Officials say outsourcing partly to blame for Walter Reed failures
Public-private job competition was based on outdated, pre-9/11 workload estimates, September memorandum warned.
Defense
TSA head says collective bargaining would be costly
Kip Hawley estimates price tag for implementing bargaining rights would be $160 million.
Management
Report finds little progress processing FOIA requests
Justice Department contests findings, arguing it may take a while before improvements spurred by 2005 executive order are realized.
Management
CBO says budget won't quite balance by fiscal 2012
Office’s figure is about $70 billion lower than the White House's estimate of a $61 billion surplus at the end of the five-year budget window.
Management
Lawmakers weigh in on GAO unionization effort
Agency chief assures legislators that he respects the right of certain employees to organize.
Defense
Senators explore federal finances at sparsely attended hearing
Freshman Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., is stunned to learn that agencies regularly fail financial audits without serious consequences.
Defense
DHS lacks timetable for monitoring visitor departures
Exit tracking component of US VISIT “not ready for prime time yet,” program official says.
Management