Management
Unfinished spending measure complicates release of fiscal 2008 budget
OMB official discusses complexities, says confrontations over the new budget may be more public with Democrats in control of Congress.
Defense
Defense develops tool to assess skills of acquisition workforce
System to compile information about individual and servicewide competencies is set to be deployed early this year.
Management
Agencies scrutinize more payments for mistakes
OMB embraces greater improper payment risks as sign of better analysis; almost all susceptible dollars to be assessed in fiscal 2008.
Management
SBA chief updates progress on disaster loan program
Administrator says program's processing system has been completely revamped under a plan hammered out during an August conference.
Management
Lawmakers unveil bills to improve language proficiency
Measures would encourage the government to develop a strategy on promoting fluency in foreign languages.
Tech
Report: IRS protected taxpayer data during flood
Auditors also find that several computer servers were removed from the agency’s headquarters before an asset-tracking system was put in place.
Management
Split GOP helps House pass long-term spending measure
Bill now moves to the Senate, where Democrats have a tougher task in obtaining the necessary 60 votes to cut off debate and pass it.
Tech
House panels offer fertile ground to review tech issues
Telework would benefit from a close analysis by government management subcommittee, outside observer says.
Management
Transportation, security technology, food safety join high-risk list
GAO moves postal reform and mortgage insurance and rental housing assistance programs off its list of at-risk federal programs.
Tech
Appropriators block merger of GSA offices
Spending measure also would boost funding for the agency’s inspector general.
Tech
Management agenda gets face-lift with new Web site, message
New OMB score card shows little change other than on the e-government initiative.
Defense
TSA pushes ahead on port worker credentials project
Agency lowers price projections for ID cards and tries to make sign-up stations convenient.
Defense
Key appropriators may seek more rail security funding
House panel may shift money within the Homeland Security Department’s 2008 budget to reflect Democratic priorities.
Defense
Coast Guard modernization program faces increased oversight
Commandant says he is ordering a major overhaul of the acquisition directorate to bring all contracting under one organization.
Management
White House interfered in climate change report, lawmaker says
More than half of federal climate scientists responding to a survey said they personally experienced political interference.
Defense
Lawmakers weigh cutting nuclear security agency
Bill introduced Tuesday would give the secretary of the Energy Department more authority over security.
Tech
Budget proposal to detail benefits of IT consolidation
Document also will describe technology projects that have suffered from deficiencies in planning, administration official says.
Defense
Democrat seeks more money for DHS grants to colleges, universities
House Homeland Security Committee chairman eyes homeland security excellence centers at additional educational institutions.
Defense