Defense
From Nextgov.com: Hill: Regulatory groups fail to protect power grid from cyberattacks
Federal regulatory commission says it needs more authority to force plants to tighten security for computer networks.
Oversight
OMB issues guidance for evaluating federal acquisition processes
Agencies must use a standard template to assess procurement strengths and weaknesses by fiscal 2009.
Defense
Panel praises Petraeus during nomination hearing
General said the number of violent incidents in Iraq last week was the lowest in four years.
Defense
Report: Defense Department cannot fully account for $7.8B spent in Iraq
Inspector general concludes funds were spent without appropriate documentation; office reconciling Iraqi payments has been moved from Kuwait to Rome, N.Y.
Oversight
Lawmakers push for more diversity at Homeland Security
Department has strong Hispanic representation, but racial clashes among workers continue.
Oversight
Senator accuses FBI of retaliation against whistleblowers
Iowa Republican cited two cases of veteran FBI agents who were transferred to lesser jobs and became targets of internal probes.
Oversight
GAO official says political influence not isolated at Interior
Investigator says four more department officials might have interfered in endangered species decisions for political reasons.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Interior allowed to reconnect to Internet
Judge rules six-year disconnect order not valid, but still worries that the department’s computer security practices are inadequate.
Defense
GAO: Post-government employment of Defense contracting officials could pose conflict of interest
The Pentagon is not required to monitor former officials when they begin jobs with defense contractors.
Oversight
Access to contractor misconduct database restricted in Senate bill
Lacking support, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., agrees to make proposed database available only to government officials.
Oversight
No intimidation of GSA contracting officer found in Sun Microsystems negotiations
Postal Service IG exonerates auditors; former administrator calls findings a “travesty.”
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Government's computer security grade improves slightly for 2007
But some say the report card’s finding means little in light of its shortcomings.
Oversight
Cisco grilled for allegedly helping Chinese censor, spy on dissidents
Company official downplays allegations, says the only equipment sold to country's public security bureau were routing and switching products.
Oversight
Hard Knocks
Now Barack Obama can't enter the general election contest unmindful of the resistance that he is encountering from older and downscale white voters.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Cost of cybersecurity initiative is triple its first estimate, panel reports
The development of the National Cybersecurity Initiative also is too secretive, removing a deterrence to attack U.S. networks, Senate committee charges.
Oversight
Defense authorization bill mandates Army contracting reforms
Committee also wants OMB to set governmentwide definition of “inherently governmental” work.
Oversight
EPA may refuse to deliver ozone papers to Waxman
Agency administrator says he needs to ensure that staff can provide comments and recommendations candidly and without fear of retribution.
Defense
FAA urged to open domestic skies to unmanned aerial vehicles
A new report from the Government Accountability Office urges Congress to create an office inside FAA to coordinate federal UAV planning.
Oversight
Independent estimate cuts cost of Census contract almost in half
MITRE projects price tag of $681 million for handheld data collection computers.
Oversight