Management

Acquisition panel takes up conflict of interest issues

Cross-training on government and contractor ethics rules could bridge gaps in knowledge, advisory commission members say.

Defense

DHS keeping close eye on rebuilding funds, official says

Reconstruction coordinator Donald Powell argues that disaster assistance law is restrictive.

Management

Reform Fantasy

Federal managers should accept reality: There ain’t gonna be no personnel reform. So says a longtime federal human resources expert.

Management

Agencies ordered to probe employee satisfaction

OPM prescribes questions for newly required annual employee survey.

Defense

Report: FEMA urban rescue teams understaffed, unprepared

Lawmakers may seek funding fix.

Tech

Laptops with sensitive data stolen from Education contractor

Theft is second reported data breach at department this month.

Management

EEOC reorganization a highlight, departing chairwoman says

Operational challenges of Sept. 11 helped agency prepare for Katrina, says Cari Dominguez.

Tech

E-Gov at Five Years, Part Two: Waiting for Success

The Bush administration made grand promises for its e-government initiatives, but the results have been mixed.

Management

Commerce expands pay-for-performance project

Miami NOAA employees join union expressly to participate in new system.

Defense

FEMA chief wants to meet hiring goals -- and then some

On Katrina’s anniversary, agency still seeks part-time emergency workers on Gulf Coast.

Tech

Agencies ordered to report on FOIA improvement efforts

OMB directs agencies to include assessments of progress in upgrading Freedom of Information Act processes in annual e-government reports.

Tech

E-Gov at Five Years, Part One: A Pivotal Point

Five years after its launch, the Bush administration’s $1 billion electronic government initiative has shown mixed results.

Management

OMB releases update on audit requirements

Changes include new requirements for reporting revisions to prior-year audits.

Tech

Rule would require acquisition officials to plan for Internet upgrade

Proposed regulatory change backs up an OMB requirement that IT procurements incorporate products ready for the next-generation Internet.

Defense

Army Corps takes steps to fix shortcomings exposed by Katrina

Twelve-part plan includes a stronger focus on risk analysis and communication with the public.

Defense

Louisiana parish creeps toward recovery

Progress has been slowed by bureaucratic procedures that would make more sense in everyday circumstances.

Management

Judge skeptical of argument for new trial in Safavian case

Decision to admit e-mail evidence was “close,” judge says.

Defense

Lawmaker asks GAO to probe rail security

Ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee says TSA is diverting too much funding to airport security.

Tech

Education data breach puts 21,000 student loan borrowers at risk

Incident occurred while a contractor was installing software upgrades on the Web site.

Tech

GSA to centralize the sale of excess government property

Civilian agencies will be required to migrate to central sale centers.