Oversight
Defense bill includes major contracting reforms
Measure headed to President Bush’s desk would increase transparency and competition.
Oversight
HUD launches new homeowner program
Applicants must have a mortgage that was originated before Jan. 1, and cannot afford their current loan.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: IG: GSA must improve information security
Audit says agency must improve contractor oversight and encrypt all mobile devices.
Oversight
Government reform groups unveil transition plan
Strong performance measurements and attention to workforce are called key to the next administration’s agenda.
Oversight
Senate expected to pass $700 billion proposal with ease
The revised bill would raise FDIC coverage amounts from $100,000 to $250,000 for one year.
Oversight
SBA issues new proposal on small business program, but same questions remain
Agency’s revised rule increases the number of industry groups eligible for set-aside contracts, but it’s not enough for critics.
Oversight
Economic rescue bill remains in limbo
Congressional leaders predict legislation will pass, as Bush applies pressure.
Oversight
GOP Senate Slippage
The outlook for Republicans has deteriorated to the point where a filibuster-proof Democratic majority seems less implausible.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Network at Los Alamos vulnerable to attacks
GAO calls for laboratory to restrict access to foreign nationals.
Defense
Coast Guard awards patrol boat contract to fill critical void
Award is service’s first major procurement under its new acquisition directorate.
Oversight
Bailout bill would have given Treasury chief unfettered authority
Legislation would have allowed Henry Paulson to waive acquisition rules and competitive hiring procedures.
Oversight
Democrats: Report on U.S. attorney firings leaves questions
Nora Dannehy, a career prosecutor, will direct probe.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Turnaround in case management system marks CIO’s tenure
Retiring Zalmai Azmi says a phased approach and more training in project management have been key to Sentinel’s success.
Oversight
Defense agency rescinds whistleblower’s gag order
DCAA threatened to discipline contract auditor if she released documents to the Office of Special Counsel.
Oversight
Grant program approved to preserve presidential documents
Amendment would allow the National Archives to publish the founding fathers' documents online.
Defense
Senate panel approves policies for release of sensitive documents
Bill would establish a Controlled Unclassified Information Office within the National Archives and Records Administration.
Defense
Pentagon cost overruns defy easy solutions
Overruns in the military's top 95 procurement programs have increased $295 billion since 2000, according to GAO.
Oversight
Panel explores potential bias against minority contractors
Researcher suggests updating and fine-tuning limits on the personal net worth of business owners participating in two federal programs.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Census pushes for $795 million for handhelds
Cost is lower than previous estimate, but bureau still faces developing and paying for fingerprinting up to 1 million workers for 2010 count .
Defense