Tech
New IT agreements may reduce DHS reliance on interagency contracts
Department also is working to hire more acquisition workers to oversee contracts, officials say in response to GAO report.
Defense
DHS updates purchase card requirements
Investigators called upon DHS to make changes over summer, in response to reports of fraudulent use of cards after Hurricane Katrina.
Management
Time running out to nominate a Democrat to labor board
Senate Democrats urge President Bush to make an appointment for the required slot.
Tech
Report points to flaws in regulatory agency's IT security
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission agrees to fix weaknesses, but argues password problems are minimal.
Management
New Amtrak chief urges more funding
Rail service’s biggest challenge now is lack of capital to finance projects such as bridge and tunnel replacement.
Defense
Contracting problems cited for Iraq construction failures
Officials blame raw sewage oozing from police barracks and large cost overruns on lack of oversight.
Defense
Congress prepared to trim Defense business agency’s budget
Officials say the cuts are not likely to prevent the agency from reaching its goals.
Defense
Auditors: ICE financial management a work in progress
Bureau’s chief financial officer helping to set a positive tone and actively track progress, reviewers find.
Management
GOP leader reminded of pledge to boost health, education funding
House Republican moderates are asking for an additional $3 billion; decision likely to wait until after the elections.
Management
Appropriations leaders urge against catch-all spending bill
Defense and Homeland Security are the only departments likely to see spending bills passed before the new fiscal year starts Sunday.
Management
OMB chief urges action on revised line-item veto bill
House passed the measure by a comfortable margin, but time is running out for the Senate to act.
Management
House panel votes to ease access to federal records
Bill would require stricter enforcement of 20-day deadline for responding to requests for information.
Management
Several competitive sourcing provisions dropped from Defense bill
Negotiators cut Defense bill language canceling Walter Reed outsourcing; garrison requests bridge staff for transition.
Management
Peak-performing civil servants honored
Fifth annual Service to America awards ceremony honors high-flying feds.
Management
Probe of remarks by HUD secretary raises more questions
Some senior staff members say Jackson urged them to “consider presidential supporters” for contracts.
Defense
Proposal to speed up passenger list submissions draws criticism
Timing change sought by Customs, Border agency could prove costly, representatives of the airline industry say.
Defense
House approves $447.6 billion Defense spending measure
Bill also contains provision to fund agencies with unfinished appropriations at 2006 levels through mid-November.
Management
Lawmakers take Interior Department to task on royalty position
Minerals Management Service official argues department lacks the clout to recoup omitted royalty payments worth billions.
Tech
House passes IT security bill
Measure comes in response to data breaches at more than a dozen agencies across government.
Management