Defense
Alabama senators block confirmation of Defense nominee
Lawmakers want assurance that top weapons buyer will conduct a fair and open competition for aerial refueling tanker contract.
Oversight
Senate confirms John Berry as federal personnel chief
Former National Zoo director says he is amenable to any effective compensation system for federal employees, including pay for performance.
Oversight
Controversial NASA IG steps aside under pressure
GAO and a council of watchdogs found Robert Cobb was not productive or independent enough.
Oversight
House passes budget resolution as Senate looks to recess exits
House and Senate staffers will begin conferring during Easter recess to work out a compromise version of the fiscal 2010 blueprint.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Eight years in the making, VA patient scheduling system founders
Congressman calls hearing to look into failures with $167 million IT project.
Oversight
Administration to release more stimulus reporting guidelines Friday
Latest document will clarify policies for following Recovery Act contracts and grants at the sub-recipient level.
Oversight
Senators disappointed with stimulus-tracking site
Watchdog pledges to gather advice for improving recovery.gov through an electronic town hall meeting and independent review.
Oversight
Lawmaker calls for vote on HHS nomination this week
Senators hope to get Gov. Kathleen Sebelius installed as secretary before they leave for the two-week spring recess.
Defense
Defense acquisition reform bill makes strides on Capitol Hill
Measure threatens to cancel poorly performing weapons programs.
Oversight
'Plain English' bill advances in Senate
Measure would require government documents to be clear, concise and free of jargon.
Oversight
USDA nominees get confirmation hearing
Senate Agriculture Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said he will try to shepherd the nominations through the chamber before Congress leaves this week for recess.
Defense
Agencies work together to track contracts in war zones
Defense, State and USAID say they are committed to success of common procurement database.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Senators introduce cybersecurity legislation
Bills would place cyber adviser in White House, regulate private network security .
Defense
DHS official: Cargo mandate should be reconsidered
The 2007 provision requires Homeland Security to ensure that all U.S.-bound containers are scanned abroad by 2012.
Defense
Panel OKs nominee for Pentagon acquisition post
If confirmed, Ashton Carter would take over weapons buying at a time when President Obama and Capitol Hill leaders are pushing for major changes in the way the Defense Department does business.
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