Oversight
Contracting spending dips for the first time in 13 years
Government spent $15 billion less on contracts in fiscal 2010 than in fiscal 2009.
Defense
Lawmaker proposes ban on TSA collective bargaining
Airport screeners are seeking union representation and bargaining privileges.
Defense
Senate probe finds gaps persist in preventing domestic attacks
Report on 2009 terrorist attack at Fort Hood, Texas, faults FBI and Defense Department for not taking sufficient action to identify and prevent terrorist plots.
Defense
Air Force tanker bids due next week
Much-anticipated contract award could come in late February or early March.
Oversight
White House seeks to bust myths about talking to contractors
Memo stresses that so long as officials follow ethics rules, early communication with vendors can help agencies craft stronger solicitations.
Oversight
House GOP proposes $74 billion in spending cuts
Proposal from Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., includes surprise cut of $16 billion for defense and other security programs.
Oversight
Former OSC chief to spend at least a month in prison
Scott Bloch had previously pleaded guilty to contempt of Congress.
Oversight
For-profit college group sues GAO for 'professional malpractice'
Coalition alleges the watchdog agency produced a “negligently written, biased and distorted report that foreseeably caused substantial financial injury.”
Oversight
Interior unveils new scientific integrity policy
Advocacy groups embrace rules designed to prevent political manipulation of findings, but seek further refinement.
Oversight
Agency buy-in called key to success of Government Performance Act
Sen. Mark Warner helps push recommendations for standardized data to gauge program effectiveness.
Oversight
Oracle pays $46 million to settle Sun Microsystems kickback claims
Sun and other technology vendors allegedly paid consulting firms when they recommended agencies purchase their products.
Oversight
Civilian agencies lag behind Defense on contract audits
Backlogs with federal auditors spur some agencies to seek support from more expensive private sector contractors.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Agencies face challenges in delivering open government, report says
Outdated website software, privacy worries and a shortage of funding have delayed implementation of President Obama’s initiative.
Defense
GAO: Northern border remains too porous
A new report says the U.S.-Canada border is still too vulnerable to drug smuggling and terrorists.
Oversight
Inouye: No earmarks for the next two years
Senate Appropriations Committee chairman heeds call from GOP and Obama to eschew bills with pork.
Oversight
Senators aim to stave off 3 percent tax withholding for contractors
Controversial requirement intended to ensure tax compliance is slated to take effect next year.
Oversight
Spy agency steps into the public eye
The CIA is taking open government efforts seriously, releasing documents and airing candid assessments of past operations.
Oversight
Amendments on FAA bill could jam Senate for weeks
The agency's current authorization runs out in early March.
Defense
WTO ruling adds new fuel to tanker debate
Finding that Boeing got illegal subsidies is not expected to affect the Air Force's decision on who wins the lucrative contract.
Oversight