Defense
Senate is moving on Military Construction-VA measure
The total funding in the measure is $7.1 billion over the $126.8 billion provided in fiscal 2009.
Oversight
Federal employees have fewer health insurance choices this year
As Open Season begins, choices are more limited than before as several plans leave the federal program or reduce their coverage.
Oversight
Senate passes bill to provide funding for Federal Executive Boards
Legislation would codify permanent funding and require agencies to detail senior staff to run the boards.
Oversight
Officials envision broader nutrition program
Agency heads say they will work together to develop a comprehensive approach toward improving school meals and reducing child obesity.
Defense
Senate leader aims for MilCon-VA passage Tuesday
For the first time, the bill includes pre-approved appropriations for the VA's medical programs.
Defense
Former Defense acquisition chief warns against ‘global war on contractors’
A quota system for hiring or insourcing is not a good way to bolster the acquisition workforce, Jacques Gansler says.
Oversight
TSA report: Lawmaker erupted in flap over airport screening
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, used profanity when passenger screeners insisted he go through body-imaging scanner.
Defense
Senate approves Commerce-Justice-Science spending bill, appoints conferees
The $64.9 billion legislation includes $27.38 billion for the Justice Department.
Oversight
House votes on chemical bill set for Friday
The bill would reauthorize and expand the Homeland Security Department's ability to regulate security at chemical facilities.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Defense: Open source software is more secure, yes more, than commercial code
Publicly available code has fewer security holes because more programmers work on the free programs than the number writing proprietary programs for commercial firms.
Oversight
Managers discourage agencies from solo IT shopping
Contracting officers can save time and money by taking advantage of governmentwide arrangements, procurement conference panelists say.
Oversight
Postal Service eyes options beyond layoffs and buyouts
Agency is looking at adding retail and other services to boost revenue.
Defense
Gates-Holder letter might provide political cover for senators
The Cabinet secretaries oppose an appropriations bill amendment that would block funds for trying suspected terrorists in federal courts.
Oversight
Acting GSA chief says agency is gaining clout
Recovery Act implementation and green government efforts have put GSA at the forefront of the White House’s agenda.
Oversight
New alliance hopes to spur new talent in procurement field
Strategic Partnership on Acquisition Recruitment Coalition to focus outreach on university students.
Oversight
Negotiators race the clock to finish spending legislation
Five of 12 appropriations bills have been sent to President Obama.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: White House's online contests for federal employees have roots in Virginia
The commonwealth asked employees for ideas to streamline government and used the Web to post metrics for how public services are performing.
Oversight
Budget chief says administration is ‘changing the culture in Washington’
In NYU speech, OMB director cites contracting reform and weapons systems cuts as steps to curb excessive government spending.
Defense
Analysts: Ethics probe won't imperil Defense earmarks
Investigation of appropriators' ties to a now-defunct lobbying group is unlikely to affect the fiscal 2010 Defense spending bill, observers say.
Oversight