Defense
DHS: No plans to use cruise ships as detention centers
Safety, cost, legal and logistical issues would have to be addressed if the agency decided to do so.
Management
Nuclear agency goes on hiring spree
NRC adds about 1,300 employees to keep up with increased energy demands.
Management
Panel questions administration on Medicare data errors
Official says problems will be resolved by next month; solution more urgent because of upcoming open enrollment period.
Management
GAO to OMB: Go slow on stricter audit requirements
Agencies need time to comply with June requirement before the standards get tougher, overseers say.
Tech
Senate approves GSA reorganization bill
Vermont Independent had placed a hold on the bill, delaying it for months.
Management
EEOC to establish working groups on federal complaint process
Effort will focus on timeliness, quality and perceived conflict of interest in investigations.
Defense
DHS science and technology chief pledges to bolster staff
Lawmaker seeks details on collaboration between TSA and the department’s science directorate.
Defense
Senate Dems lose bid to criticize handling of Iraq war
Republican appropriator wins ruling that amendment was not germane to Defense spending bill.
Management
GOP leaders push House vote on earmark disclosure rule
Senators trying to resolve holds on separate measure to create a government database to track earmarked spending and grants.
Tech
Senate bill encourages electronic health records for feds
Measure would require Federal Employees Health Benefits Program insurance carriers to offer digital records.
Defense
Reports call for improvements to DHS response plans
FEMA praised for creating reserve of part-time workers, but criticized for failure to fill full-time ranks.
Management
Public sector unions gain ground in labor movement
Government workers on track to become majority of union members nationwide.
Management
Bush picks former highway administrator to head Transportation
Mary Peters was well-liked among lawmakers during her tenure at the Federal Highway Administration and her nomination does not appear to be contentious.
Management
New procurement chief seeks to ramp up job competitions
Paul Denett also wants internship programs, training to boost acquisition workforce.
Defense
Federal Protective Service to offer employee buyouts
Agency also will assess how it contracts for security services for federal buildings.
Tech
IRS may seek waiver on eTravel system
Treasury inspector general questions GSA’s cost savings estimates and warns of increased user difficulties.
Tech
E-Gov at Five Years, Part Five: Pushing Forward
The Bush administration looks to the consolidation of back-office systems as the next step for e-government.
Tech
GSA extends deadline to sign up for ID card services
Agencies struggle with mandate to issue new smart identification cards and upgrade building and computer access systems by Oct. 27.
Management