Defense
Merit board rejects appeal of ex-Park Police chief’s firing
Despite loss, Teresa Chambers and her attorneys welcome chance to take case to federal court.
Management
Auditors detail flaws in VA budget process
Department should better justify savings projections, fully comply with congressional reporting requirements, investigators find.
Defense
Commerce secretary works to help tourism industry
Carlos Gutierrez is bringing industry’s concerns to the State and Homeland Security departments.
Tech
Commerce reports loss of more than 1,100 laptops over 5 years
Some of the computers, primarily at the Census Bureau, held personal information.
Management
Public service academy effort gains bipartisan support
Republican Sen. Arlen Specter signs on at the last minute, rounding out sponsorship.
Management
Hispanic underrepresentation not government’s fault, GAO finds
Citizenship, education requirements for federal jobs found to contribute to lower representation.
Defense
DHS reveals details of Boeing border security contract
Officials deny reports of multibillion-dollar deal, saying they have no long-term commitment to a particular contractor.
Management
GSA set to implement merger of acquisition offices
Official says agency has dropped unpopular Get It Right program, which was aimed at curbing contracting abuses.
Tech
OMB publishes high-risk list for IT despite misgivings
List is intended to raise the visibility of crucial information technology projects.
Management
Committee leader cancels vote on contentious EPA nominee
Critics question nominee’s efforts to exempt the military from environmental regulations, and involvement with anti-regulatory groups.
Defense
Pentagon may seek an extension of labor relations deadline
Lengthy regulation development process, and delays caused by court case, may mean more time is needed, deputy secretary says.
Tech
Panels suggest new approach to IT consolidation
Task forces recommend adoption of uniform standards, rather than moves to shared services centers.
Defense
DHS aims to keep more about security clearance applications secret
Proposed exemption from Privacy Act cites potential threats to national security.
Management
NIH bill would establish electronic research tracking system
New “common fund” would target studies cutting across institutes.
Management
One Small Step for Managers
Little fixes can make a big difference in public satisfaction with government services.
Management
Union wins back pay for former IRS mailroom workers
Settlement represents a rare case in which an agency has been forced to issue payouts as a result of a lawsuit related to contracting out.
Defense
Panelists: Threat advisory system too focused on air travel
Warning in response to August plot to bomb planes should have extended to other types of transportation, analyst says.
Tech
DHS names cybersecurity czar
Gregory Garcia will be responsible for coordinating the government’s IT security policies.
Management
Senator says he wants to probe per diem rates
Concern that feds may be pocketing excess per diem dollars spurs legislator’s interest in review.
Management