Oversight
From Nextgov.com: White House set to complete security standards for cloud computing services in 2011
Federal CIO Vivek Kundra says administration will wrap up talks with industry in January, and finalize guidance for government within six months.
Oversight
Postal Service embraces reform legislation
Federal officials support measures increasing agency’s flexibility, but union leaders fight Saturday delivery proposal.
Oversight
New law would require better training in building energy management
Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act now moves to president’s desk for signature.
Defense
Texan expresses confidence he'll win Armed Services contest
The prospect of Silvestre Reyes becoming the top Democrat on military committee has created a complicated race for the ranking member position on Intelligence, the panel he currently chairs.
Defense
Gates warns against gambling on 'don't ask' repeal
Delaying a vote until after the lame duck session could mean the courts decide the issue, Defense secretary says.
Defense
WikiLeaks did 'significant damage' to diplomacy, State official says
State's assessment of disclosure of classified cables differs starkly from comments made by Defense secretary.
Oversight
House passes bill to fund agencies two more weeks
Continuing resolution would keep the government running until Dec. 18, with most programs at fiscal 2010 levels.
Defense
Panel urges OMB not to block F-35 alternate engine funding
The White House has made the second engine an example of government waste.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA moves e-mail to the cloud
Unisys gets contract to partner with Google to implement system that is estimated to cut costs by 50 percent over five years.
Defense
White House calls for review to stop leaks
The administration continues to deal with the fallout from the WikiLeaks disclosures.
Oversight
Contract disputes reach 15-year high
Bid protests filed with GAO increase 16 percent in fiscal 2010 from the previous year, but most cases are resolved before the watchdog issues a decision.
Oversight
Fiscal panel reinforces pay freeze, changes to federal benefits
Final deficit commission report proposes reform of FEHBP and government retirement systems.
Oversight
Deficit commission's final plan released
Strategy is more detailed than a draft the panel's chairmen floated in early November, but contains few fundamental changes.
Oversight
GPRA bill on track after ‘inherently governmental’ speed bump
Industry contractors had questioned whether the legislation would limit their ability to provide administrative support.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: TSA seeks improved airport screening methods
Agency sought advanced technologies prior to concerns over full-body scans and pat-downs.
Oversight
Justice inspector general announces retirement
Glenn Fine was viewed as a champion of his office’s independence at a time when some are calling for enhanced IG investigative powers.
Oversight
Pay freeze prompts concerns in Congress
Democrats express tentative opposition to Obama proposal while Republicans call for more-drastic cuts.
Defense
Defense study bolsters case for ending ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Gates says Congress should act this year to repeal the ban on openly gay troops, to prevent the courts from abruptly making changes.
Oversight
Senate passes food safety bill
Chamber's version leaves FDA funding for expanded investigations up to appropriators.
Oversight