Management

Data collection still a problem in needy families program

Agencies face reporting difficulties for state-administered program, HHS official tells lawmakers.

Management

Interior secretary resigns; will leave at end of month

Gale Norton says she will take a break and then return to the private sector.

Management

OPM sets personnel management goals through 2010

Simplified plan focuses on decreasing wait-time for agency services.

Defense

Senate panel narrowly approves fiscal 2007 budget plan

Blueprint would boost discretionary spending about 3.6 percent over this year, with the bulk of the increase going toward defense.

Management

Pentagon to civilians: get departmentwide experience

Under new initiative, managers and executives will need to work in various organizations to compete for high-level jobs.

Management

IRS announces first contracts for debt collection work

Contractors will be subject to strict background, training and operating guidelines, agency says.

Defense

DHS official says next FEMA chief needs credentials

Emergency management experience could come from a variety of jobs, including law enforcement and firefighting, preparedness chief says.

Defense

Senators critical of Energy Department’s nuclear weapons spending

Lawmakers express concerns about efficiency, signal they are considering a funding cut.

Defense

Push to restore FEMA independence questioned

DHS inspector general cautions against simply "transferring the problem."

Management

Forget About Perks

Federal executives should seek no greater reward than honest, humble service.

Management

Mineta rules out imposing general aviation user fees

At hearing on transportation budget, lawmaker opposes proposal to turn over decision-making to a third party if there is an impasse in FAA labor negotiations.

Management

AFGE takes vote of ‘no confidence’ in Defense leadership

Union officials say Pentagon should abandon contested labor relations plan and collaborate on new measures.

Defense

Homeland Security grapples with management vacancies

Several senior management positions are open, notably ones critical to disaster response and terrorism prevention.

Management

Outgoing EPA inspector general tells of search for accountability

Nikki Tinsley also pushes for change in salary rules that restrict IGs’ earnings potential.

Defense

Ex-FEMA director: Restore agency's independence

In an interview, Michael Brown says disaster response agency gets “short shrift” next to the Homeland Security Department’s anti-terrorism activities.

Management

Report: Teaching program could benefit from enhanced oversight

Joint Education-Defense department effort also should be better coordinated with other federal programs, GAO concludes.

Management

Proposed EEOC budget cut of $4.2 million draws criticism

Critics say requested decrease in funds would hinder pursuit of larger cases, agency’s ability to fulfill its civil rights mission.

Management

IT management approach at VA sparks conflict

Department official defends decision to diverge from approach recommended by oversight committee and consulting firm.

Management

GAO: Energy improperly awarded sole-source contract extension

Contract notice discouraged competition, oversight body concludes.

Management

Treasury union members rally against outsourcing tax collection

Contractors cost more and present privacy risks, union argues.