Defense
Report: Biometric visitor tracking won't work at land exits
Implementation would be costly, require new infrastructure and lead to traffic backups.
Tech
DHS privacy office steps up scrutiny of technology projects
Critics say report to Congress covering two years of activity is short on details, seek commitment from recently arrived privacy chief.
Management
Anti-discrimination activists seek new federal workplace law
Activists say OPM regulations have subverted the intent of a 2002 law meant to stiffen penalties for discrimination.
Management
Yearlong funding measure won’t rely on current formula
Joint House-Senate group will set spending levels; agencies will likely have an opportunity to appeal for more money.
Defense
Coast Guard chief stresses importance of focusing on employees
Thad Allen cites plans for possible joint-duty requirements across Homeland Security agencies.
Management
Key senator urges Bush to use his sway on fiscal issues
A first step will be to institute "pay/go" requirements that new entitlement programs or tax cuts be offset, incoming budget panel leader says.
Defense
Bill creating HHS bioterror research agency on Bush’s desk
Measure would reduce the Homeland Security Department’s role in the event of a bioterror attack.
Tech
Proponent of IT centralization declares victory at the VA
Employees involved in application development will be sent to work under the CIO Monday, and permanently placed there in April.
Management
Speeding Up Acquisition Reform
Wartime urgency pulls back the red tape on accelerated projects.
Management
New House panel will oversee information policy
Watchdogs predict changes will place a higher priority on questions of access, classification and freedom of information.
Management
EPA officials defend library closures, tout benefits of digitization
Internal documents urge officials to move slowly in disposal of library materials; furniture sale in Chicago netted just $350.
Defense
IG urges Customs officials to better use intelligence
Procedures for dealing with high-risk cargo shipments need tweaking, investigators say.
Tech
GSA, Defense reach agreement on acquisition policies
GSA will not hold Pentagon funds over from one fiscal year to another, in keeping with Defense legal interpretations.
Management
Industry sweats details of new small business rules
SBA officials say lengthy task orders and subcontracts could be addressed in future regulations.
Defense
Report: Dems should address rail security, grants process
Analysis also recommends oversight of biometric passports and stronger diplomacy.
Management
House, Senate pass landmark postal reform measure
Bill shifts burden of paying retirement benefits earned by postal workers during years they were in military service from Postal Service to Treasury Department.
Defense
Congress restores tenure of IG for Iraq reconstruction
President’s signature will extend oversight by highly successful audit office.
Defense
Defense secretary-designate backs personnel reforms
Robert Gates says pay and health benefits are key to military retention.
Tech
GSA budget document reveals revisions to IG’s requests
Document provides details on what the agency’s investigative branch has said is an attempt to “reduce serious scrutiny of the agency.”
Defense