Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA oversight of contractor flawed
Inspector general says procurement agency failed to make sure the government received the best deal when it hired consultant to evaluate bids for a massive IT contract.
Defense
Senator urges suspension of Iraq publicity contracts
The United States should not be spending $300 million to “propagandize the Iraqi people,” especially given the financial crisis, Virginia Democrat says.
Oversight
OPM meets most 2008 strategic goals
Agency still struggles with the rollout of its electronic retirement system.
Oversight
Set-asides still offer billions in contracting prospects
Awards to small firms continue to rise, though the pace is slowing, industry research group finds.
Defense
Top officer says military should wean itself off supplementals
Defense should identify long-term needs that have been included in emergency spending bills and move them to the regular budget, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Air Force to place cyber operations under Space Command
The service’s neglect of its nuclear mission led to the demise of a grand plan for a Cyber Command.
Oversight
SEC chairman blames lack of transparency for market turmoil
Chris Cox calls for better reporting on financial disclosures.
Oversight
Budget observers predict crunch on spending
Former OMB director says next president should devise a five-year budget strategy to handle financial crisis in the short-term and provide long-term deficit restraint.
Oversight
EPA likely to see changes under next administration
Reversing Bush administration rules that reshaped regulatory programs and weakened some environmental protections could take years.
Oversight
State Department urged to boost hiring
New report cautions against an increasing “militarization” of diplomacy.
Defense
Feds, industry announce center for identity management research
Agencies, academia and corporations form coalition to find ways to better protect personal data and privacy, but offer few details.
Oversight
Treasury details procurement plan for new financial office
Agency will follow federal acquisition rules, but anticipates that a number of contracts will be awarded without full and open competition.
Oversight
Tie Breaker
The House would pick the next president if the Electoral College vote ended in a tie.
Oversight
Think tank publishes transition guides for government leaders
Books offer advice on establishing relationships, setting clear agendas, communicating with employees and learning government jargon.
Oversight
SBA to stop certifying small disadvantaged businesses
Agency will no longer verify status; companies can self-certify or get help from a third-party.
Defense
Army touts flexibility of modernization program
Recent adjustments, including a new focus on infantry brigades, have helped assuage some congressional concerns.
Oversight
Agency beefs up Medicare fraud detection efforts
Officials announce the launch of a recovery audit contractor program that will track businesses with high billing.
Oversight
External factors will limit next president’s control over spending
The growth of mandatory entitlement programs and interest on the national debt leave little wiggle room in the budget.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA creates program office for Multiple Award Schedules
Goal is to provide consistency across business units, improve customer and vendor satisfaction.
Defense