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
Government continues to subsidize building in hurricane-prone areas
At the federal level, however, more thought is being given to discouraging development along high-risk stretches of coastline.
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