Defense
Appropriators reject DHS funds transfer request
Federal Protective Service told to consider longer-term planning, explore fee increases.
Defense
Senate panel approves FEMA overhaul measure
Bill would keep agency within DHS, give administrator a direct advisory role with the president.
Management
Committee OKs bill creating database to track federal spending
Similar measure adopted in the House last month would only cover federal grants.
Management
Bill to eliminate inefficient programs pulled from House floor
Critic calls bill a “copout,” saying it passes work Congress should do off on commissions.
Management
Senate panel passes SBA reauthorization
Bill would strengthen federal authority to prosecute large corporations that illegally gain small business loans from the agency.
Tech
Panel: Agency need not subsidize high-speed telework
A labor union wanted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to pay half of monthly high-speed Internet costs for teleworkers.
Defense
Lawmakers demand details on FEMA identity verification contract
Company points to praise of work it conducted in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Defense
DHS to add biometric data to visitor tracking program
Proposal would cover about a million people, including those seeking immigrant or refugee status.
Management
Report: EPA implementation of air toxics program inadequate
Program has been a lower priority for the agency than other air quality efforts, GAO says.
Defense
Legislators rip DHS contracting practices
Tight deadlines and other challenges are no excuse for poor management, House Government Reform Committee Chairman Tom Davis says.
Tech
Nominee to head VA policy office pledges to protect sensitive data
Patrick Dunne says he would implement a plan to change the department’s information technology culture.
Management
Watchdog, lawmakers eye better information flow
Many government entities have promised more streamlined FOIA processes by mid-2007.
Management
New rule eases barriers to employing the disabled
Change seeks to simplify process of determining whether candidates qualify for excepted service positions.
Management
Dems: Large businesses miscoded as small got $12 billion in contracts
Group of lawmakers says illusion of attaining small business goals hurts effort to unbundle large contracts.
Management
OMB director upbeat on line-item veto bill’s chances
Rob Portman goes to the Senate to pitch the measure, stresses that House passed bill by a wide margin.
Tech
New DHS privacy chief: I'll speak out if necessary
Critics say Hugo Teufel lacks adequate experience in privacy and government management.
Defense
Senator concerned contracting report may have been tainted
Official with ties to subcontractor on fighter jet program took part in discussions on report suggesting procurement strategy.
Defense
Panel aims to increase competition for services contracts
Group recommends allowing protests on task orders of $5 million or more.
Defense