Management

Senate chair wants anti-smoking provision out of postal bill

Proposal would ban Postal Service from delivering cigarettes purchased online by underage customers.

Defense

FEMA chief says Louisiana getting special help on disaster plans

R. David Paulison repeats concern that too few people heed disaster warnings.

Management

EEOC chair to step down as term ends

Cari Dominguez oversaw major reorganization of agency, cuts in managerial ranks.

Defense

Report: Army future combat program may be unaffordable

Program could use up to half of the service’s procurement accounts, leaving little money to buy other weapons and equipment.

Management

Judge blasts EPA for delays in Clean Air Act implementation

Agency should not have put discretionary activities before congressional mandates, judge says.

Management

OPM releases telework guidance for pandemic flu

Critic says the plan lacks new ideas for responding to a potential quarantine.

Tech

More sensitive information goes missing from VA

Medical data for 38,000 people could be on missing desktop computer.

Management

Foreign Service recruiting effort undercut by wartime demands

Many mid-level positions in hardship locations are filled by junior officers with limited experience.

Management

Senate confirms veteran procurement official for OMB post

Paul Denett promises to focus on emergency contracting, acquisition workforce issues.

Tech

Agencies push to meet IT security deadline

Office of Management and Budget memo outlines steps for agencies to improve the security of sensitive information.

Management

Senate panel OKs bill to establish Justice cold case offices

FBI office would investigate unsolved civil rights-era murder cases, and separate Justice Department office would prosecute them.

Defense

Spanish speakers at a premium at border and immigration agencies

Immigration and Customs Enforcement weighs language requirement for employees involved in detention of illegal immigrants.

Defense

IG recommends early contracting personnel involvement in reconstruction

Contingency procurement rules and a unified contracting entity also could improve post-conflict response, report says.

Defense

Senate approves measures to improve Defense accountability

Spending bill amendment limiting the annual military travel budget to $70 million passes by voice vote.

Defense

Lawmakers question Boeing’s ethical commitments

In light of a recent settlement agreement, senators probe, and largely accept, company’s intentions.

Tech

Navy names new intranet chief

Rear Adm. Timothy Flynn will come to Washington this fall from the San Diego-based Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.

Defense

Legislator urges extra oversight of TSA contract management

Report describing possible overpayment for explosives detection illustrates the need for more review, House member says.

Management

Red Carpet Treatment

Agencies should put themselves in their clients’ shoes.

Management

New Treasury chief signals bipartisan approach to policy challenges

Henry Paulson focused his first major speech since his confirmation on wage growth and uneven economic distribution.

Management

OPM blamed for under-representation of Hispanics in government

New report gives the personnel agency a flunking mark for leadership, accountability.