Defense
Lawmaker asks overseers to agree on meaning of ‘waste’
Common definition would be precursor to estimating wasteful spending on Iraq reconstruction.
Defense
Auditor faults Defense’s reliance on interagency contracts
Pentagon acquisition officials told inspectors they often made purchases through other agencies in part because it was faster.
Management
Questions remain about measure to fund agencies until October
Democrats plan to give most domestic agencies the amount enacted for last year, leaving about $3 billion to redirect to programs in need.
Management
Lineup on House government oversight subcommittees finalized
Illinois member will lead the panel focusing on the federal workforce and New York representative will head management and procurement panel.
Tech
IT contractors prepare for new small-business rule
Rule will give all small firms receiving contracts through preference awards 30 days to report any mergers or acquisitions that affect their size.
Defense
Cash-strapped Army plans cuts to future combat program
Memo emphasized that cuts are budget-driven and not a result of poor contractor performance.
Tech
GSA awards contract for system to gather travel data
Details on more than $15 billion in annual travel-related spending will be used to report on trends.
Management
Employees report more respect for managers than senior leaders
Most respondents to governmentwide survey said they like their jobs and think their work is important; results are largely unchanged from two years ago.
Tech
GSA launches effort to streamline contracting process
Multiple Award Schedule Express Program seeks to cut time it takes companies to get on lists of approved contractors.
Defense
Lawmakers call on TSA to step up inspections of private planes
A larger staff may be necessary to oversee general aviation, which accounts for three-quarters of U.S. flights.
Defense
Defense reluctant to share data on Iraqi troop readiness
GAO chief says the information would help lawmakers engage in constructive oversight.
Defense
Industry counts on Democrats to support Defense spending
Democrats will have to balance tough oversight with funding to meet emerging threats and to support troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Management
Senators reintroduce Amtrak funding legislation
The House blocked a similar bill in 2005, but supporters say the measure has a better chance of passage with Democrats in control.
Management
Majority leader says budget plan will test GOP commitment
The budget was mentioned as one of the major issues Democrats will take up after they complete their "100 hours" agenda.
Defense
Advisory council seeks tighter cyber security net
Council also approves report on avian flu preparations, recommending prioritization of workers to receive vaccines.
Management
Energy plan could free up $14 billion over a decade
Package aims to help the government recoup lost royalties on leases written by Interior Department officials, for a net gain of $6.3 billion.
Management
Research group finds flaws in proposed risk analysis guidelines
Administration agrees not to implement proposal; renominates controversial pick to head regulatory office.
Tech
GSA to award new contract for ID card services
Agency officials expect to make an award to one company sometime this spring.
Defense
Agencies detail massive effort to evacuate Lebanon
For some stranded Americans, help from the government did not come soon enough.
Defense