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
Panel supports inspector general pay revisions
Special committee weighs options for updating the law governing IG operations.
Management
Senior execs pan performance pay system
Half of respondents to a survey said their agencies are using quota systems to distribute ratings, despite a prohibition.
Defense
Customs bureau merges trade activities into new office
Reorganization is aimed at better use of existing resources; will not result in additional trade inspectors.
Management
House passes earmark disclosure rule by comfortable margin
Of the 24 Republicans who voted against the rules change, 22 were appropriators.
Tech
Missing computer containing sensitive VA data recovered
Federal officials do not think thief was targeting the data, but are checking to make sure no information was compromised.
Tech
Finance center to shift data from New Orleans to Denver
Risk of hurricanes prompts permanent relocation of hardware that helps process pay checks for more than 500,000 federal employees.
Management
Interior official defends agency's oil lease management
Department disagrees with IG’s “broad brush characterization” of royalties collection problems, deputy secretary says.
Management
House again votes to end prison firm's procurement preference
Companion bill in Senate hasn’t made it out of committee.
Tech
OMB says new search tool will reflect accurate spending data
Administration official pledges to meet standards for federal spending database, but others have doubts about cost, feasibility.
Management
Interior IG blames 'bungling' for royalty collections lapse
Investigators uncover mismanagement worthy of internal disciplinary action, but have yet to find any criminal wrongdoing.
Management
VA responds to low certification test grades with more training
Union blames veterans service representatives’ poor exam performance on inadequate help with preparation.
Management