Management
OPM scolded over SES pay system's unpopularity
In survey released last week, executives expressed dissatisfaction with pay-for-performance system.
Management
OMB chief talks management
Rob Portman addresses issues on the 'M' side of his agency for the first time publicly.
Management
GAO questions savings estimates for Defense Travel System
The Pentagon disagrees with finding that moving employees to other jobs does not count toward savings.
Defense
Chertoff: Immigrant detention facilities under strain
Contingency contract allowing construction of more detention centers may be invoked, officials say.
Defense
Officials forgo Supreme Court appeal in DHS labor case
The Homeland Security Department will reenter talks with unions to plan a new system that fits within legal requirements.
Management
OMB enlists bloggers’ aid in pushing management agenda
Move comes as President Bush signs blogger-backed bill to create Web site tracking federal spending.
Tech
VA installs encryption software on thousands of laptops
Department’s acting CIO says personally owned computers used for work remain a security risk.
Management
Congress agrees to merger of GSA funds
Bill’s enactment would allow the agency to finish combining two procurement organizations.
Management
Groups join to advocate more FDA funding
Agency's appropriations have not kept pace with those of its sister agencies, former HHS secretary says.
Defense
Millions in Iraq contracts obligated to ‘dummy vendor’
Inspectors find no foul play; say 96 contracts were not properly obligated and will be lost at end of month.
Defense
TSA to permit some liquids, step up luggage inspections
Agency continues to ramp up liquid explosives detection efforts, but eases restrictions for carry-ons.
Management
Guidelines for financial consolidation draw fire
Document lacks clarity and may allow agencies to outsource federal jobs without competition, labor union officials argue.
Management
Senate panel passes FOIA request bill
Among other things, measure calls for stricter enforcement of 20-day deadline for providing some kind of response to requests.
Defense
Merit board rejects appeal of ex-Park Police chief’s firing
Despite loss, Teresa Chambers and her attorneys welcome chance to take case to federal court.
Management
Auditors detail flaws in VA budget process
Department should better justify savings projections, fully comply with congressional reporting requirements, investigators find.
Defense
Commerce secretary works to help tourism industry
Carlos Gutierrez is bringing industry’s concerns to the State and Homeland Security departments.
Tech
Commerce reports loss of more than 1,100 laptops over 5 years
Some of the computers, primarily at the Census Bureau, held personal information.
Management
Public service academy effort gains bipartisan support
Republican Sen. Arlen Specter signs on at the last minute, rounding out sponsorship.
Management
Hispanic underrepresentation not government’s fault, GAO finds
Citizenship, education requirements for federal jobs found to contribute to lower representation.
Defense