Oversight

NIH director steers agency through tough times

Elias Zerhouni has used charm and deft political maneuvering to win and keep the support of Washington, industry and outside groups as he tries to rejuvenate the agency.

Oversight

Judgment Calls

If the Obama-Clinton contest is a dead heat at the end of the last primaries and caucuses, superdelegates could flip the outcome.

Oversight

GSA signs agreement to open advanced design software

International standards for so-called Building Information Modeling will cut design and construction costs, officials say.

Defense

Prospect of congressional interference in tanker contract sparks concern

Lawmakers could set a perilous precedent if they overturn Air Force decision, critics say.

Oversight

Patent and Trademark Office budget amendment approved

Senator says economic benefits are lost when pace of patent approval slows.

Oversight

GSA seeks to require federal travelers to use contract hotels

Comprehensive legislative package also would streamline the process of setting mileage reimbursement rates and expand child care services.

Defense

Veterans Affairs closer to deploying comprehensive e-Benefits portal

Department expects to have a bare-bones site soon with health, benefits information for vets.

Defense

Key House lawmakers criticize shipbuilding plan

Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., calls Navy plan "pure fantasy."

Oversight

Government Reform panel passes contractor database bill

Republican committee members voice concern that the measure could allow unfair attacks on companies.

Oversight

House committee passes plain language, telecommuting bill

Measure will require federal agencies to use plain language in commonly used forms.

Oversight

IRS improves tax processing capabilities

Funding for business system modernization still poses a challenge for long-term success, IRS official says.

Oversight

Groups push FAA reauthorization as inspection officials come under fire

Wide range of organizations unite behind stalled legislation for varying reasons.

Oversight

Panel targets GAO pay system

Performance-based approach was a hallmark of David Walker's tenure as head of the agency.

Oversight

Senate leader: Food safety legislation a priority

Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Tuesday he will attempt to pass a reauthorization bill for the agency in the next work period.

Oversight

Motion filed for additional archiving in search for missing White House e-mails

Independent organization claims Bush official contradicted herself.

Defense

Contractors are doing core acquisition jobs, Defense official says

Pentagon’s top procurement executive notes danger of outsourcing inherently governmental tasks.

Oversight

Agencies to share custom IT security training practices

But lack of requirements could stall efforts.

Defense

Panel questions cost of contractors in war zones

Democrat cites example of defense contract personnel eating in taxpayer-funded facilities at a cost of $14,000 a person.

Oversight

Concern raised over Census bid to ease security checks on temp workers

Lawmakers worried that bureau will have to revert to using paper questionnaires for 2010 Census.

Oversight

Subcommittee moves contractor accountability measures

Bill would require GSA to create a list of completed criminal, civil and administrative proceedings involving federal contractors.