Defense

From Nextgov.com: Software company won earmarked funds for work on military health records

Defense employee has alleged that Adara Networks received software code in advance of winning sole-source contract.

Oversight

OMB instructs agencies to save $40 billion annually by streamlining acquisitions

Memos include requirements for building in-house capabilities and tracking contractor past performance.

Oversight

McCaskill will wait on Alaska native contracting reform

Democratic senator withdraws amendment to Defense spending bill that would have required ANCs to operate under sole-source caps.

Oversight

Cost of Senate health care bill pegged at $900 billion

Tax on insurance companies would help cover the costs.

Defense

General: Air National Guard needs new fighter jets

Air National Guard's requirements are especially urgent because planes are older and there is no plan to address their early "age-out," official says.

Oversight

Senate subcommittee approves Labor-HHS spending bill

The legislation, scheduled for a full committee markup on Thursday, includes $30.8 billion for the National Institutes of Health.

Defense

Effort to salvage helicopter program draws veto threat

White House "strongly objects" to any funding in the Defense authorization bill that would continue the troubled presidential helicopter program.

Oversight

Lawmakers fight policies limiting conferences in resort destinations

Nevada and Florida senators say such policies unfairly discriminate against locations that may be convenient and cost-effective.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Employee charges Military Health Systems was unethical in awarding IT contract

Internal e-mails allege top officials provided a technology company with software code and documents for the military's massive electronic health record system and awarded it a contract without competition.

Oversight

Watchdog adds Postal Service to high-risk list

Declining mail volume has created financial burden for USPS, according to GAO report.

Defense

FEMA’s fuzzy chain of command impedes its mission, observers say

Witnesses testifying before House panel call on Congress to designate an administrator for recovery efforts.

Defense

Defense review sees no growth in budgets, troops

Top official says there is a "desire to keep something like a multiple engagement capability in the force."

Oversight

OMB releases cost-savings proposals across government

Agencies exceed Obama’s request for $100 million in cuts.

Oversight

OPM takes strategic planning process public

Director sets Oct. 1 deadline for new plan, and suggests agency reorganization could follow.

Oversight

Senate looks to clear two spending measures this week

Energy and Water, Agriculture bills on tap before August recess.

Oversight

OMB discloses budget cuts found by Cabinet members

Agency heads identified $102 million in fiscal 2009 cuts, and another $140 million savings for fiscal 2010.

Oversight

Lesser of Two Evils

Waiting may be better for Democrats than losing on climate change or health care reform.

Oversight

Senate committee will tackle Postal Service financial woes

Panel will consider on Wednesday a bill that would help the agency cover the costs of employees’ retirement health benefits.

Defense

Business group urges reform of Pentagon contract requirements process

Report suggests more dialogue on cost and technical feasibility.

Oversight

CBO sees deficits beyond 10-year window

Health care bill likely would lead to increases in the deficit during the following decade, analysis says.