Oversight

Obama’s performance agenda a mix of old and new

Observers applaud administration’s pragmatic and collaborative governance tactics.

Oversight

Unions say recession is sparking federal sector organizing

Heavy workloads and economic uncertainty are prompting increased interest.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Obama raises stakes for cybersecurity

Unveiling results of 60-day review, president says he’ll appoint a cybersecurity czar at the White House.

Oversight

Recession is exacerbating Social Security claims backlog, panelists say

Attorneys and judges blame regulations and a lack of funding for difficulties tackling the growing caseload.

Defense

Navy shipbuilding plans run into fiscal reality

The service can't build the 313-vessel fleet it wants unless it substantially increases its procurement budget, or dramatically cuts the cost of building new ships.

Oversight

Senators prepare for battle over Alaska native contracting

The Alaska delegation is ready to defend rules that allow ANCs to win no-bid contracts of unlimited value under a small business program.

Oversight

Report paints agencies as deadbeat travel card holders

Delinquency rates for centrally billed card accounts are at nearly 20 percent, costing the government valuable rebates.

Defense

GAO: Despite efforts, gaps remain in data on contractors

Many reforms to improve information-gathering on past performance remain unimplemented, says watchdog agency.

Oversight

Group calls for overhaul of privacy regulations

NIST board recommends heightened government leadership on the issue and suggests hiring a full-time chief privacy officer at OMB.

Oversight

House Democrats unveil food safety draft

Draft version sets $1,000 annual registration fees for food companies to help pay for increased FDA inspections.

Oversight

National Business Center launches electronic onboarding tool

HR management suite is designed to streamline processing and coordinate information across multiple systems.

Oversight

Watchdog: Indian Health Service continues to mismanage property

Millions in equipment has been lost or stolen, but top property official received a bonus and exceptional rating last year, draft report finds.

Defense

Obama merges homeland, national security staff

The decision to create one team within the White House to handle both issues reflects president’s holistic approach to security issues.

Oversight

Panel says Fed should monitor systemic risk

Group favors that approach over one where federal regulators would share duties through a council.

Oversight

Pointers for Pelosi

The speaker of the House should stick to what she does best.

Oversight

Obama names new NASA chief, deputy

Retired Marine Gen. Charles Bolden is tapped to head the agency and Obama space adviser Lori Garver gets No. 2 slot.

Defense

Army to create central acquisition organization

Headquarters systems engineers will improve program interoperability with eye on costs.

Defense

Defense reform bill would clamp down on spiraling costs, schedules

President targets overspending on weapons technologies that are either too new or too old.

Oversight

House passes FAA reauthorization, Senate confirms new agency administrator

Industry groups and unions praise progress on aviation issues, but sound notes of caution.

Defense

Obama signs defense acquisition overhaul measure

Legislation is aimed at stopping huge cost overruns and lengthy schedule delays.