Tech
Infighting hurt VA data breach response, IG finds
Personal conflicts between a career official and political appointee contributed to poor handling of the incident, report says.
Defense
DHS revamps emergency alert system
Changes will reach every state by late 2007; eventually individuals will receive alerts on cell phones.
Management
Senate subpanel advances $51.2 billion Commerce-Justice bill
Measure would restore $900 million of $1.2 billion in proposed cutbacks to Justice Department programs.
Defense
Senators vote to increase border, port security funding
Provision that would restructure FEMA but keep it within the Homeland Security Department passes by a wide margin.
Tech
Report: VA treated data breach with ‘indifference’
Employee responsible for stolen computer equipment was not authorized to take sensitive personal information home, inspector general report says.
Management
Competitive sourcing veterans share stories, tips
Agencies should focus on communication before and during competitions, and follow-through once they are finished, officials say.
Defense
Security clearance processing deadlines pose challenges
For the first time in months, the Defense Security Service fully resumes its work.
Tech
In pandemic, homes could become 'safe havens' for work
OPM issues guidelines for agencies on maintaining operations in the event of a flu outbreak.
Defense
Partisans seek edge in homeland security funding
Senior Republicans are increasingly frustrated with DHS’ financial management, especially that of the Federal Protective Service.
Defense
Review of Army combat program challenges need for lighter vehicles
Study could help ease requirements for future fleet, quickening vehicle development and ultimately reducing costs.
Tech
Two federal programs honored for innovations
Awards come with $100,000 prize, designed to help apply the programs’ creative ideas elsewhere in government.
Defense
Congress faces time crunch on spending bills
Senate leaders weigh attaching a continuing resolution to Defense bill to fund other areas of government until after the election.
Defense
Retaining Hispanics, Spanish speakers key, Coast Guard chief says
Agency enjoys highest post-WWII retention rate, numbers of Hispanics taking federal jobs up across government.
Management
Ex-Powell aide urges appointees to trust employees
At Excellence in Government conference, Larry Wilkerson also encourages federal workers to speak up if they encounter wrongdoing.
Management
Public service academy proposal gains lawmakers’ ears
The free four-year undergraduate education would require a five-year service commitment.
Defense
Defense business agency gets Iraq contracting assignment
Business Transformation Agency will head up effort to improve policies and procedures for rebuilding Iraq.
Defense
Contractor’s rise shows blurred government, industry lines
Despite several failed projects, Science Applications International Corp. has grown into one of the top federal contractors.
Defense
Lawmakers seek details on DHS plans for detainee surge
Possibility of using cruise ships to hold illegal immigrants raises concerns about expense and waste, the legislators say.
Management