Oversight
OMB questions GAO on small biz decisions
Recommendations conflict with SBA rules regarding parity among small disadvantaged businesses, budget chief says.
Oversight
Private sector not necessarily a model for hiring reform
Some practices such as relying primarily on résumés aren’t suitable for the federal government, consultancy says.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Details of Recovery.gov redesign contract revealed
Transparency groups and project management specialists were concerned by the lack of information on the deal, which could be worth up to $18 million.
Defense
Obama vows to veto Senate bill with F-22s
Armed Services panel leaders hope letter from Obama will resonate with their colleagues and generate support for an amendment to strip the bill of funding for fighter jets the administration does not want.
Oversight
Regulatory nominee courts lawmakers, farm groups
Cass Sunstein is working at OMB on an unconfirmed basis.
Oversight
Performance measures should fit agencies’ specific missions, panelists say.
The federal government struggles to evaluate and demonstrate its productivity to the public, according to management observers.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Panel approves record $3.3 billion IT budget for VA, with stipulations
Committee restricts more than $1 billion in system development funds until CIO Roger Baker completes his review of programs.
Defense
House passes bill that increases spending on veterans
Bill typically receives bipartisan support, but this time around Republicans had procedural complaints.
Defense
Senators seek to eliminate 23 senior Pentagon positions
Lawmakers decry 'proliferation' of deputy undersecretaries, say positions should be redesignated with other titles.
Oversight
Pace of stimulus contracting picks up
Private sector Web site finds that federal, state and local governments so far have paid $21 billion to contractors.
Defense
IG: Secure Border Initiative lacks effective oversight
Contractors are performing work that should be done by government employees, auditors find.
Defense
Levin, McCain expect some flak in Senate's F-22 dogfight
Committee leaders face uphill battle in stripping authorization bill of funding for fighter jets the Obama administration does not want.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Maryland firm wins contract to revamp Recovery.gov
The General Services Administration awarded Smartronix of Hollywood, Md., an $18 million deal to help government better track stimulus funds.
Defense
Democrats set fast schedule for Defense bill
Senate leaders want to clear floor for health care legislation and vote on Supreme Court nominee.
Oversight
Lawmakers, watchdog question effects of stimulus
Government Accountability Office says funds have helped states stave off short-term fiscal woes, but critics doubt job creation claims.
Defense
Military construction-VA spending bill sails through Senate panel
Measure includes $76.7 billion in discretionary spending, an amount that is $439.1 million above President Obama's request.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Nurse files privacy suit against IT sections in stimulus spending law
Beatrice Heghmann alleges billions of dollars earmarked for creating electronic health records put personal data 'a mouse-click away from . . . an intruder.'
Defense
Pay and benefits legislation awaits lawmakers
Congress could vote on several measures before August recess that would affect federal pay raise, retirement and leave.
Oversight
Groups warn against reinventing the wheel on management reform
Administration should build on existing frameworks for evaluating the performance of programs, report says.
Defense