Oversight
Proposed benefit for certain contractors draws fire
Administration reportedly considering a plan that would favor contractors who pay employees a prevailing wage, offer health care.
Oversight
Interagency contracts aren't big money-savers, panelists say
Contracting observers cite lack of oversight and inadequate competition as significant weaknesses in fee-based procurement arrangements.
Defense
New analysis fuels debate over alternative F-35 engine
Pentagon study advises against funding an alternate engine for the jet, despite finding that doing so would cost no more than procuring only the primary engine.
Defense
Marines storm the Hill seeking equal billing with Navy
Legislation would expand the name of the department and its secretary to the "Navy and Marine Corps."
Defense
Marines, Navy cite urgent 'reset' needs
Equipment stocks are at "unacceptable levels," Marine Corps commandant says.
Defense
GOP seeks to cut DHS personnel funding
Republicans want budget increases in 2011 proposal for staffing and other administrative resources to go toward mission operations.
Oversight
Bad press makes contracting an unattractive field, professor says
The acquisition workforce is one issue Defense procurement reform panel will address in forthcoming report.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: White House says data mining to focus only on government files
In reaction to a discussion of the controversial Total Information Awareness program, administration and security experts say intelligence practices should not include sifting through private records.
Oversight
Uncle Sam kicks off new federal employee survey
OPM expects to poll 100,000 more government workers this year than in 2008.
Oversight
Ways and Means leader is wary of deficit-cutting panel
Rangel says he is concerned about the executive branch encroaching on the autonomy of the legislative branch.
Defense
Officials still hope firms will compete for tanker deal
Pentagon wants to avoid a scenario in which there is only one bidder for the pact, which is worth as much as $40 billion.
Oversight
Drugs, guns and violence dominate Blackwater hearing
Contractor accused of swiping guns belonging to Afghan police; weapons later were used in deadly shooting.
Defense
Northrop's Hill allies hit tanker RFP
Company officials have threatened to pull out of the competition amid concerns of favoritism.
Defense
Lawmakers criticize shipbuilding budget
Members of both parties call proposed fiscal 2011 funding insufficient to build the fleet needed.
Oversight
Union calls for expanding definition of law enforcement officers
Changes would make more federal workers eligible for special retirement benefits and help agencies meet workforce challenges, officials say.
Oversight
Homeland Security contractors outnumber civilian employees
Senators call the department’s reliance on the private sector “unacceptable, untenable and unsustainable.”
Oversight
Senate leader throws his picks into deficit commission mix
Republicans are expected to make their selections soon.
Oversight
Census chief defends Super Bowl commercial
Groves says the ad will pay for itself if it prompts people to mail back their 2010 questionnaires.
Defense
National labor leaders back AFGE in effort to organize screeners
Largest federal employee union is vying with NTEU for 40,000 potential new members.
Oversight