Management
OMB to rate agencies on efforts to break up large contracts
Administration official promises update on initiative to address small business contracting concerns by November.
Defense
DHS told to investigate air marshal’s complaint
Allegations center on inadequate identity protection; agency says many of the concerns are out of date.
Tech
Hackers deface Federal Executive Board Web sites
Attack hurts ability to get information to federal employees outside Washington, board directors say.
Management
CBO lowers estimated 2006 budget deficit to $260 billion
House minority leader calls new numbers the “latest evidence” Republicans cannot keep spending under control.
Management
Report recommends limited use of pay incentives
Measurement should focus on intrinsic motivation and allow for failure, researcher says.
Tech
GSA to study agencies’ service to citizens
Results will be used to help agencies improve their responses to requests for information.
Management
Pentagon plans shift of blue-collar workers to new pay system
Defense officials bring in Federal Managers Association to consult on new rules.
Tech
Library of Congress undergoing workforce transformation
Nearly 200 employees take advantage of a voluntary incentive to retire early, as library prepares to digitally preserve its collection.
Defense
California governor seeks more orders for C-17 cargo planes
C-17 program employs nearly 30,000 people in 42 states and has broad support in Congress.
Management
Senate joins debate over snowmobile use at Yellowstone
The rules governing snowmobile use at Yellowstone have prompted frequent legal challenges.
Tech
GSA creates office to help agencies meet ID card deadline
Office will provide end-to-end identity management services to participating agencies.
Defense
DHS to speed contractors' exemptions from lawsuits
Applications for products already in use, or involved in an ongoing procurement, have better odds of getting to the front of the line.
Defense
Punishments stemming from IG probes on the rise
Suspensions and debarments of contractors nearly doubled in 2005, but savings from inspectors’ recommendations fell by 6.7 percent.
Management
Turning Ideas Into Action
If a call for change comes from the ranks, does it really make a sound?
Defense
Legislator pushes public-private partnership for bomb detection tech
Machines sampling vapors for traces of explosives could find liquid devices, private sector experts say.
Tech
IRS to beef up monitoring of employee e-mails
Nearly three quarters of mailboxes reviewed contained inappropriate messages.
Management
SBA: Federal Prison Industries not small for services
Area office ruled FPI ineligible for service contracts set aside for small companies.
Tech
VA aims to encrypt laptops within a month
Department awards a $3.7 million contract to encrypt about 300,000 computer devices.
Management
Investigators sought former Head Start chief’s prosecution
Ex-official accused of misusing grant money while overseeing a Head Start program in Texas; U.S. attorney’s office declined to prosecute.
Management