Defense
Expert questions savings in Pentagon contractor cuts
Unless Defense scales back its mission, reducing service contractors won’t save money, former procurement executive says.
Oversight
Friends, family mourn Stevens
Colleagues on both sides of the aisle praise the former Republican senator for being forthright and for his tireless advocacy on behalf of Alaska.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: VA adopts standard identifier for vets in health and benefits programs
Unique 10-digit ID will be assigned using a system for federal employees mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Agencies could be prone to new kind of sophisticated cyberattack
The government should watch out for “man-in-the-browser” attacks that have been used to steal money from financial institutions, security expert says.
Defense
Pentagon abandons insourcing effort
Defense Secretary Gates says the initiative did not produce the savings he anticipated.
Oversight
Commerce reports $1.6 billion savings for decennial census
Officials attribute savings to good management and aggressive advertising.
Defense
House passes border security bill
Despite opposition, chamber approves emergency $600 million spending bill to beef up security along U.S.-Mexican border.
Oversight
Lawmaker seeks cap on federal workforce growth
Move could increase outsourcing and federal spending, union leaders and Democratic lawmakers say.
Oversight
Senators are worried about counterfeit Defense supplies
Two recent reports finding vulnerabilities in the Pentagon’s ability to detect and prevent fakes spark concern.
Defense
Gates announces major cuts at Defense
Pentagon will eliminate three organizations plus eliminate contractors, 150 senior executives and 50 flag officers.
Oversight
Senate sends 13 nominations back to White House
Nominees, including Medicare chief and Customs and Border Protection commissioner, will have to be sent to the Hill again.
Defense
Former Hill investigator nominated for CIA inspector general
David B. Buckley has more than 30 years of experience in military and intelligence issues and federal oversight.
Oversight
Energy scrambles to meet deadline for obligating stimulus money
Recovery Act funds could expire before all awards are made in two major fossil energy projects, IG says.
Oversight
Industry group fears publicizing contractor database could backfire
Professional Services Council argues opening FAPIIS could improperly influence the bidding process and lead to disclosure of proprietary information.
Oversight
National Guard pushes for more resources
A report says greater investment in the reserve force provides a solution to the Pentagon’s fiscal woes.
Oversight
GAO rejects union’s privatization protest
Decision clears way for a contractor to assume control of food service at six Air Force bases.
Oversight
USPS posts $3.5 billion third quarter loss
Workforce cuts and push for fewer delivery days will continue, officials say.
Oversight
Senators call for improved Medicaid oversight
GAO finds Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is inconsistently reviewing whether state payment rates are actuarially sound.
Oversight