Management
Postal Service lobbies against reform bill
Agency says Senate legislation likely to burden Postal Service with employees' military pension costs, limit managerial flexibility.
Management
Space agency defends acquisitions processes
NASA says one-of-a-kind projects are less amenable to standardized reviews.
Management
Caution urged for executives seeking spots on nonprofit boards
Agencies should be careful about allowing their employees to serve on boards of groups with an interest in their work, Justice Department opinion says.
Defense
DHS urged to finish analysis of visitor tracking system
Department needs to complete a strategic plan to indicate how the program fits with other border security initiatives, GAO says.
Management
Agencies back environmentally friendly building principles
Agreement is aimed at boosting energy efficiency and indoor air quality at new and existing federal facilities.
Management
Pentagon again delays new labor rules upon judge’s request
Defense Department will forge ahead with creation of National Security Labor Relations Board.
Defense
Funding shortfalls cited for setbacks in storm response drill
Key officials, including the FEMA director, the governor of Louisiana and the mayor of New Orleans, failed to participate in the training exercise, senator says.
Management
Panel considers limits on lawmakers' earmark requests
Proposal looks to reduce the overall number of requests from about 35,000 each year to a more manageable number.
Management
Labor issues rule affecting contractors’ hiring processes
Rule designed to prevent discrimination and to help companies follow affirmative action requirements.
Tech
Supreme Court won’t intervene in BlackBerry dispute
Maker of popular communications device argues that a shutdown would impair the government’s use.
Management
Senators say mine safety agency needs more money
Last year’s 1 percent across-the-board spending cut left the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s budget $2.8 million below Bush’s request.
Management
Employees keep training expectations to themselves
Only a third of respondents to Merit Systems Protection Board survey said they informed their supervisors about their needs.
Management
VA aims to make acquisition rules more user-friendly
At the same time, department proposes several new clauses that could scare off potential bidders.
Defense
Homeland Security unit to consolidate aviation, marine assets
New Customs and Border Protection organization will include a force of 651 officers and 500 pilots.
Management
Women’s group backs personnel reform but urges caution
Organization calls for data collection, analysis to ensure pay-for-performance system is fair to women and minorities.
Management
Report: Build management networks, not hierarchies
Panel identifies network-based structures as key to confronting governance challenges.
Management
Auditors investigating price tag of Defense personnel reforms
Bipartisan group of senators issues request for GAO to examine the Pentagon’s estimate of $158 million.
Management
Homeland Security chief financial officer to step down
President announces intention to nominate new Senate-confirmed CFO, as required by a 2004 financial accountability law.
Defense