Oversight
Obama's Odds
Despite poll data that seem to forecast a big Democratic win, most analysts privately expect another close race.
Defense
Major Defense weapons systems not fully funded, GAO reports
Congress may have to reduce spending on other federal programs or accept less warfighting capability than promised.
Oversight
IG: State Department passport system wide open
Poor security policies and lack of clear disciplinary actions allow unauthorized users to view personal information in files.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Census re-examines using Internet for 2010 count
After years of arguing with Congress against providing an online method to submit information, the bureau is back to seriously studying the option.
Oversight
Advocates outline plan to protect whistleblower rights
The new administration should create an Office of Government Transparency and Openness, panel says.
Defense
Federal identity programs boost biometrics market
The estimated value of potential contracts to implement federal identity-solutions programs has more than doubled since 2006.
Oversight
EPA failed to comply with sole-source contracting rules, report finds
Inspector general says noncompetitive contracts lacked proper approval, market research.
Defense
Senate panel slashes foreign visitor ID system
Appropriations committee, frustrated by delays, cuts US VISIT fiscal 2009 budget by nearly two-thirds.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Census receives $210 million in emergency funding for 2010 count
The money will cover extra costs the bureau will incur due to its decision not to use handheld computers to support the decennial census.
Defense
Homeland Security awards data center contract to CSC
Contract, worth a potential of $390 million, is another step toward consolidation of department's 18 data centers.
Oversight
Push starts to stay contractors' tax-withholding provision
Opponents of a law requiring agencies to withhold 3 percent of payments to contractors beginning in 2011 are looking for a legislative vehicle to keep it at bay a while longer.
Defense
Pentagon’s top watchdog leaving post July 13
Claude Kicklighter will become director of the George Mason University School of Law’s Critical Infrastructure Protection Program.
Oversight
Most federal benefit programs use electronic payments, GAO reports
But less than half of the programs know what percentage of payments is issued using online methods.
Defense
Bush administration streamlines security clearance process
Executive order requires agencies to use common standards, reciprocal recognition.
Oversight
Ready or Not?
If Barack Obama can emulate Reagan and cross the acceptability threshold, he will not only win but win big.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Coast Guard shows off first high-tech cutter
Public tour aims to demonstrate modernization contract is on track, but GAO says problems remain.
Defense
Wartime contracting commission members named
Modeled after Truman committee, panel will investigate spending in Iraq, Afghanistan.
Oversight
Bush nominates former counterintelligence official as State IG
Thomas Betro is currently director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Oversight
Hill battle over Justice Department records likely to escalate
The agency is refusing to comply with subpoenas from two House committees for documents related to the leak of former CIA agent Valerie Plame's identity.
Defense