Defense
House panel backs big boost for veterans' programs
Funding would pay for 1,400 more claims processers, above the 703 additional personnel Bush requested to cut the backlog in requests for benefits.
Oversight
OSC chief made subordinate post online rebuttals to news stories
Postings defended Bloch against online articles and comments by readers that he has perceived as negative.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Health IT office awards contract to fight medical identity theft
National coordinator for health IT asks Booz Allen to analyze prevalence of medical records theft and how to prevent and detect it.
Oversight
Key Bush management initiative called likely to survive transition
Research group predicts "lines of business" effort to consolidate business processes and systems will continue in some form.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: FDA asks for $65 million to better track food contamination
Increase in fiscal 2009 IT budget also would help trace adverse effects from medical devices.
Oversight
Census getting back on course, lawmakers told
Observers say cost still uncertain, but agency is making headway on program and contract management.
Oversight
Cooperative purchasing bill close to becoming law
Senate approves measure to open GSA’s law enforcement and security-based Schedule 84 to state and local governments.
Oversight
Obama, McCain urged to find common ground on management agenda
Here’s your opportunity to suggest measures the two senators could support on a bipartisan basis.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA official urges passage of cooperative purchasing bill for security
Opening federal security contracts to state and local governments would save money and provide faster services.
Oversight
GSA proposes mentor-protégé program
Initiative encourages agency prime contractors to assist small businesses.
Oversight
House passes GAO pay bill, minus investigative provisions
Measure would restore pay increases to hundreds of agency employees who have said they were wrongly denied raises in 2006 and 2007.
Oversight
Singing the Down-Ballot Blues
Republican congressional candidates should move closer to John McCain.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA signs telework agreement with union
AFGE officials agree to provisions that abruptly ended telework talks with another federal union.
Oversight
Procurement policy office issues new guidance on interagency acquisitions
The management of such contracts has appeared on GAO’s list of high-risk federal programs since 2005.
Defense
Lawmaker challenges Defense official's stance on new destroyer
Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., has taken his fight to put the DDG-1000 destroyer program on hold directly to the Pentagon's top acquisition official.
Oversight
House bill creates VA ombudsman's office
Subcommittee approves legislation to create a one-stop shop for information on VA medical, housing and education benefits.
Defense
Gates offers Bush new Air Force leadership team
Gen. Norton Schwartz, a 35-year veteran with a background in Air Force special operations, is Defense secretary's pick as chief of staff.
Oversight
Storms test GSA’s continuity plans
Power outage at Northern Virginia facility allows agency to launch notification system and telework arrangements.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Business picking up for GSA’s Networx contract
After slow start, interest increases in telecom pact as deadline for agencies to recoup transition costs approaches.
Oversight