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.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: VA will turn to a contractor to reduce backlog of GI educational benefits
Solicitation is the department's latest effort to process what officials call an unprecedented volume of claims.
Oversight
Senators express concern about administration’s contracting guidance
Memos are too light on specifics and lack deadlines to hold agencies accountable for making reforms, lawmakers say.
Oversight
Agencies to expedite electricity transmission permits on federal land
New process aims to speed up grid modernization and spur renewable energy production.
Defense
Senators clash over Homeland Security management nominee
Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins says Obama's pick for undersecretary for management at DHS lacks sufficient experience.
Defense