Defense
Head of visitor tracking program wants global ID system
Proposed system would require the cooperation of several Homeland Security agencies, including CBP, CIS and TSA.
Management
OMB touts savings potential of ‘best value’ contracting
Critics argue strategy is subjective and places further strain on limited in-house appeal rights.
Defense
Immigration enforcement agency seeks funding, staff boost
Plan is short on details about staffing levels and funding requirements necessary for specific enforcement initiatives.
Management
Reliance on supplemental funding draws bipartisan attack
Lawmakers say administration’s method of paying for wars and other emergency needs makes it difficult to account for the true costs.
Defense
FEMA acquisitions chief pushes recruiting program
Deidre Lee also backs calls for more contingency contracts to prepare in advance for disasters.
Management
Judge sets date to review Safavian, Abramoff e-mails
Lawyers will argue next week on admissibility of messages on a range of personal and business topics, from racquetball to contracting.
Management
Swank reception honors notable federal executives
Winners of Presidential Rank Award recognized for career achievements.
Management
Number of federal jobs opened to contractors to jump this year
Agencies plan to announce public-private competitions for more than 25,000 positions in fiscal 2006, OMB says.
Management
Mixed personnel systems can help uphold merit principles
Managers say having employees under traditional civil service rules blended with those in more flexible systems embeds a culture of merit.
Management
White House staff changes continue
Press secretary announces his resignation and Karl Rove gives up some of his responsibilities.
Defense
Intelligence director’s refusal to cooperate with GAO irks lawmakers
GAO report calls for less restriction of sensitive but unclassified data.
Management
Labor and State performance reports earn top ratings
Annual evaluations by policy institute measure quality of reports rather than performance outcomes.
Management
Natural resources programs hit hard in push for fiscal austerity
Programs funded by the Interior-EPA spending bill are facing cuts for the second year in a row.
Defense
Acting FEMA chief backs suggestions for improved disaster response
R. David Paulison says, however, that fixes will take several years.
Management
Trade official nominated to be next OMB director
Bush urges Senate to move quickly to confirm Rob Portman as a replacement for Joshua Bolten.
Management
Bush pick for federal procurement chief praised
If confirmed, Paul Denett, a veteran contracting official, would fill a position vacant since September.
Management
Pentagon files appeal of ruling blocking labor relations reforms
Department also releases online calculator for employees to determine paybands under new personnel system.
Management
Bush nominates veteran procurement official for OMB spot
Paul Denett has served as the senior contracting executive at the Interior and Treasury departments.
Defense