Tech
Powell recalls State Department tech transformation
While he was Secretary of State, department replaced archaic with new machines and high-speed Internet access.
Tech
Agencies' e-gov grades slump
Quarterly score card shows falling marks due to agencies’ inability to shift funds to key programs, administration says.
Management
House spending allocations clash with White House priorities
Foreign aid would see the steepest percentage cut from Bush's request, but would still get an increase over last year.
Management
Park Service to introduce new score card for parks
Tool is designed to prioritize budget increases, but is useful for performance comparisons, too.
Defense
House committee rips lack of oversight in Katrina contracting
Agencies pledge to use better discretion, say more contingency deals have been awarded.
Defense
House panel OKs tougher steps to control weapons costs
Committee’s version of defense authorization bill also includes a 2.7 percent across-the-board pay raise for the military.
Management
Postal overhaul sponsors criticize proposed rate hike
Measure awaiting House-Senate negotiations would change the rate-setting process; decision on increase discouraged until bill is complete.
Defense
Better oversight urged for program to privatize military housing
Defense also should update assessments of future housing needs, GAO says.
Management
GAO critical of Medicare's information on drug benefit
Of 500 test calls made to help line, 67 percent were answered completely and accurately.
Defense
House attempt at bill revamping FEMA stalls
Partisan squabble blamed for delay in legislation that would leapfrog Senate efforts to reconstruct the beleaguered agency.
Defense
Key legislator eyes $6 billion shift to boost domestic programs
Money slated for fiscal 2007 defense and foreign aid increases would be moved to health, education and other areas.
Management
Senator crafts bill focusing on performance now, pay later
OPM will support the bill, which is less aggressive in moving employees off the General Schedule than an administration proposal.
Defense
Legislators hone in on FBI weaknesses
Bureau critiqued on range of issues, including lack of progress on upgrading its technology infrastructure.
Management
Lawmakers seek to protect 2,000 Army Corps jobs from contractors
Lock and dam operators perform inherently governmental work, unions and legislators argue.
Management
House has yet to name postal reform negotiators
Senate has named conferees to work out differences in overhaul bill.
Management
Report details problems with contract for Iraq health centers
Inspector general criticizes project administration and reporting, cites personnel turnover as key issue.
Defense
Decision to halt security clearance processing prompts outcry
OPM says funding problem that led Defense Security Service to stop forwarding applications will be cleared up in a few days.
Tech
OMB: Competition key to consolidating financial systems
Before outsourcing systems, agencies would need to hold modified versions of public-private job contests.
Management