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

Think Small

Beware of sweeping conclusions about the results of Tuesday’s three high-profile elections.

Oversight

Wartime commission scrutinizes contractors’ role in Iraq drawdown

Defense audit agency says KBR already is wasting millions of dollars by not decreasing its workforce in response to troop withdrawals.

Defense

Senator details plan for cybersecurity director

Susan Collins, R-Maine, wants position based at the Homeland Security Department, not in White House.

Oversight

States report saving 640,000 jobs through Recovery Act

Data from states and local municipalities includes $150 billion in grants, loans and contracts.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Compliance focus is hampering cybersecurity, critics say

OMB urged to update federal security standards to better detect network vulnerabilities and keep up with new threats.

Defense

Lawmakers cry foul over Defense procurement debacle

Nobody's happy about the latest development in the high-stakes contest to build aerial refueling tankers for the Air Force.

Oversight

Lieberman sees need for cybersecurity czar

Senator say his bill would not give the Homeland Security Department the power to place mandates on the private sector.

Oversight

18,000 employees accept Postal Service buyout

The next deadline for the $15,000 voluntary separation package is Oct. 31.

Defense

Airport screening systems are not well tested, says GAO

Risk assessments of passenger screening devices are unreliable, according to watchdog.

Oversight

Senate clears Interior bill, stopgap funding

Legislation includes about $11 billion for Interior Department programs and $10.3 billion for the EPA.

Oversight

Officials commit to collaborate on performance-based budgeting

Lawmakers, administration say they will weigh the success and failure of federal programs when making funding decisions.

Oversight

House advances on Interior spending bill, including CR

Current government funding extension runs through the end of this week.

Defense

GAO faults effort to counter roadside bombs

Report says "several significant challenges" affect the Pentagon's ability to oversee IED office.

Defense

Federal Protective Service moves out of immigration bureau

FPS will remain in the Homeland Security Department as part of the National Protection and Programs Directorate.

Oversight

Forum participants see ‘urgency’ in hiring reform

House majority leader also calls for overhaul of federal pay system.

Oversight

SBA proposes major revisions to small business contracting program

Changes would affect joint ventures, size and income determinations for potential participants.