Defense

Defense business modernization still a work in progress

Department has completely satisfied only one of six requirements in 2005 law, GAO says.

Tech

Teleworking increases across government

OPM survey shows that nearly 19 percent of eligible employees used the alternate work arrangement in 2004.

Defense

Federal offices in New Orleans area gradually open doors

Half of government facilities in the region are estimated to be up and running.

Management

Unstrategic Plans

We’ve got a plan for planning. Now let’s make a plan for doing.

Tech

OPM offers details on tech worker exchange program

Exchange aimed at generating flow of expertise between the government and the private sector.

Management

Pentagon cleared to move senior execs to pay-for-performance

Move is key to departmentwide personnel overhaul, Defense official says.

Management

Agencies urged to standardize reference checks

MSPB report offers legal guidance, tips for checking job candidates’ references.

Defense

9/11 commissioners cite failures to act on recommendations

Bush administration and Congress receive poor grades in more than a dozen areas, including allocations of homeland security funds.

Management

VA violated law in funding outsourcing studies, GAO says

Department argues that law only bars unsanctioned use of health care funds for formal competitive sourcing studies.

Management

Rules finalized for special veteran hiring authority

Regulations implement 2002 act changing eligibility requirements for the special hiring authority.

Tech

Use of telework in Katrina aftermath limited

Some federal offices affected by the hurricane found the alternate work arrangement impractical.

Management

Pointing Fingers

Who's to blame for President Bush's recent troubles--his staff, the agencies under his command, or the leader himself?

Management

Pentagon releases long-awaited details on personnel reforms

Draft documents provide specifics on pay ranges, career paths and job classifications.

Management

FAA brings in mediator to assist contract negotiations

Move necessary because union insisting on compensation package that’s unreasonable given agency’s finances, administrator says.

Management

Acting acquisition commissioner at GSA steps down

Marty Wagner will lead the Federal Acquisition Service starting Dec. 21.

Management

Assessing Acquisition

Skeptics wonder whether new panel can fix Defense procurement.

Tech

End to Indian trust fund dispute could be closer

Appeals court decision and proposed legislative fix could lead to faster settlement.

Management

Panel advises agencies on managing mixed federal, contractor workforces

With contractors and civil servants working side by side, managers are being held more accountable but have less control over staff.

Defense

Lawmakers seek more disaster relief contracts for small businesses

Bill would require DHS to create a new database of small, disadvantaged companies available for recovery work.

Management

Homeland Security chief, union leader meet to discuss personnel reforms

Union president says she wants to continue talks outside the courtroom.