Defense
Level of pushback on personnel system surprising, DHS official says
Personnel chief also says he expects fast resolution to court case on labor relations aspects of the system.
Tech
Telework blamed in recent VA data loss
Analyst's ability to work from home is being used as a scapegoat, telework advocates say.
Management
Prosecution nears end of case against Safavian
GSA ethics officer says she was unaware of Abramoff’s interests in GSA-controlled properties.
Defense
DHS awards 32 percent less than last year in state, local grants
State Homeland Security Grant program takes the biggest hit, with a 49 percent reduction.
Tech
VA to fire data analyst responsible for records breach
Memorandum notes that phone numbers were among the records stolen from the home of an agency employee.
Management
Export Packing
Bosses often tout bad apples as terrific employees just to get rid of them.
Management
House to vote on bill reviving FAA-union negotiations
Legislation would need approval of two-thirds of members to pass.
Management
Legislator asks OMB to make Treasury drop telecom contract
Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., reiterates support for GSA’s Networx solicitation, condemns Treasury’s rival plan.
Management
High court: On-the-job whistleblowing not free speech
Supreme Court ruling limits lawsuits against agency retaliation over on-the-job disclosure of government misconduct.
Management
Report: Some appointees improperly got career jobs
“Burrowing in” to the civil service is an accepted practice, but must follow merit system procedures, GAO notes.
Defense
DHS personnel system funding takes another hit
Language passed by House would shift $15 million away from the office implementing the pay-for-performance system.
Defense
Slowdown in Defense spending could rein in procurements
Last month, department reported that 25 major programs had surpassed original cost estimates by 50 percent.
Defense
Senate banking panel approves flood insurance bill
Bill would create a mandatory reserve fund to provide funding to help pay future claims without seeking additional money from the federal government.
Management
Defense seeks immunity for witnesses in Safavian trial
Lawyer for former procurement chief says otherwise witnesses will invoke the Fifth Amendment, depriving defense of evidence.
Defense
Pentagon seeks earlier emergency declarations
At least a week is needed to prepare for major hurricanes, Defense officials say.
Tech
VA mandates new background checks in wake of data loss
Theft of personal information on 26.5 million veterans results in review of data access policies.
Management
Bribery probe target files for return of documents taken in raid
Justice Department stands firm, saying weekend search of Louisiana congressman’s office was an action of last resort.
Defense
VA to shift up to $25 million to handle data theft inquiries
Money would come from four IT programs, one of which could take a 50 percent cut if all funds are needed.
Defense
FEMA pushes back timeline for meeting hiring target
Contingency contracts are not all in place either, agency official tells lawmakers.
Management