Defense
Report: Air marshals concerned they are too visible
Rank and file also complain of long hours and vertigo; agency says some of the policies cited in complaints have been changed.
Tech
Management structure contributed to VA data breach, observers say
With Congress investigating one of the nation’s largest data breaches, former VA officials blame a weak IT management structure.
Management
OPM pushes nontraditional career patterns
Eventually, agencies will be graded on whether they make unconventional work arrangements available to employees.
Management
Bill returning FAA to bargaining table faces veto threat
Vote on legislation requiring negotiations with union expected Wednesday; agency already has implemented contract.
Management
New GSA chief promises ‘actions, not words’
Lurita Doan pledges to get prospective contractors listed on schedules within 30 days.
Management
Safavian: Advice to Abramoff did not cross line
Former GSA official says he never questioned trip costs, blames government ethics learning curve for some actions.
Management
Bid to close Missouri mapping center draws opposition
House panel passes language thwarting U.S. Geological Survey consolidation plan; member will attempt to undo provision in conference.
Management
Agencies test new performance management systems
Bush administration attempts to keep up momentum on pay-for-performance movement.
Defense
Records on active-duty military included in stolen VA data
The personal information of up to 50,000 National Guard, Reserve and Navy personnel could be at risk.
Defense
Border agency weighs options to handle surge in detainees
U.S. Customs and Border Protection mulls setting up "detention barges" at sea.
Defense
Forward Observer: Enron on the Potomac
The Pentagon’s accounting practices are unlikely to improve until a panel of outside financial experts is appointed to help.
Defense
Army brass defies a costly trend by cutting London trip
Canceling travel is one of many penny-pinching moves the service plans to take until emergency spending bill is enacted.
Defense
New Coast Guard chief discusses lessons learned from Katrina
Adm. Thad Allen says government is making progress establishing clear lines of command and communication for disaster response.
Defense
Pentagon to automate personnel management systems
One computerized system will make salary and benefits details easily accessible.
Tech
DHS trade processing system lacks realistic goals, GAO says
Agency says it will align and define program goals, benefits, business results and performance measures by July 1.
Defense
Lawmakers assail DHS personnel, grants practices
Members of House committee ask Chertoff how the department would handle decreased appropriations for its personnel reforms.
Management
GSA solicits input on IT contracts worth $65 billion
Agency modifies requests for proposals to fit more closely with OMB plan for government technology investments.
Management
One sticking point removed in postal reform measure
Compromise version of bill will likely allow Postal Service partial access to escrow fund to pay for future employee health benefits and operating costs.
Defense