Defense
GAO calls for improvements to Defense acquisition system
Auditors find delays and cost overruns in major weapons programs.
Oversight
Energy staffing hasn’t kept pace with acquisition workload, IG says
The volume and complexity of procurement requirements threaten to overwhelm nascent workforce gains.
Oversight
Budget generates more of a buzz among advocacy groups than citizens
Congressional switchboard operators have not seen any noticeable spike in calls.
Oversight
Sebelius becomes latest Obama nominee with tax trouble
HHS secretary-designate and her husband paid $7,040 in back taxes and $878 in interest for 2005, 2006 and 2007 after a certified public accountant found the errors.
Oversight
Acquisition community faces strict stimulus reporting rules
Requirements increase the public disclosure responsibilities of procurement officials and contractors.
Oversight
TARP oversight agencies ask Treasury, Fed for answers
Watchdogs want more authority to monitor and examine the finances of the bailout effort.
Defense
Senator says Defense chief will reveal budget cuts ahead of Obama
Gates canceled plans to attend the NATO 60th anniversary summit in France so he could stay in Washington to wrap up work on the fiscal 2010 budget.
Defense
GAO: Staggering cost overruns dwarf modest improvements in Defense acquisition
A shortage of government engineers and contract managers contributes to problems, says report.
Oversight
Senators unveil bill to streamline hiring process
Legislation would eliminate knowledge, skills and abilities essays, and require plain-language job postings.
Defense
Defense secretary weighs fate of Future Combat Systems
The most expensive and far-reaching technological endeavor in the Army's history faces budget cuts, possible cancellation.
Oversight
Tipping Point
Escalating drug-related violence in Mexico could trigger demagoguery in U.S. politics.
Oversight
Census officials launch bid to win trust of immigrants
Leaders of the 2010 public relations effort stressed the need to demystify the census among hard-to-reach populations.
Oversight
Watchdog agency establishes stimulus fraud hot line
Government Accountability Office encourages people to send allegations of waste and abuse to FraudNet.
Oversight
FAA nominee draws praise for union and management experience
Former pilot Randy Babbitt served on the agency’s management advisory panel during the Bush administration.
Defense
Forward Observer: Missile Guidance
Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs believes spending so much on an unproved missile defense is a rush to failure given the recession and money needs of the military.
Oversight
Budget bill stands in way of congressional recess
House and Senate will take up the fiscal 2010 budget blueprint this week.
Oversight
Small firms worry Alaska native corporations will crowd them out
Some businesses have given up on competing against ANCs for government work.
Oversight
USDA secretary favors strong link between performance measures and goals
Tom Vilsack cites technology and personnel as critical to good government management.
Defense
Obama plan targeting Taliban, al-Qaida draws praise
President says infusion of 4,000 troops will bolster Afghan army.
Defense