Oversight

Draft rule clarifies government’s procurement priorities with respect to small business

Proposal spells out no preference exists when awarding contracts among disadvantaged businesses.

Defense

Senator condemns Army response to unsafe water in Iraq

A March 7 inspector general report says former Halliburton subsidiary did not follow Army standards on water quality.

Oversight

Senate budget would boost advance appropriations by $4 billion

Fiscal 2009 budget resolution estimates total discretionary spending is $22 billion more than President Bush's proposal.

Defense

Army says it needs up to $260 billion per year

That’s about half the total requested by the Pentagon for 2009.

Defense

FEMA to take over mass care role formerly held by Red Cross

GAO finds agency’s expanded role is appropriate, but raises concerns.

Defense

House panels seek info on FBI data collection programs

The FBI requested $12 million for information analysis center in fiscal 2008.

Oversight

Panel questions e-procurement’s effects on small businesses

House committee skeptical of e-Travel initiative, reverse auctions.

Oversight

Senate Democrats approve budget on partisan vote

Bush has said he will veto any fiscal 2009 appropriations bills that exceed his overall spending target.

Oversight

Protest of huge IT services contract upheld

Judge calls GSA's selection criteria for Alliant vendors “arbitrary and capricious,” and puts contract on hold.

Oversight

House, Senate budget panels clear $3 trillion spending plans

House bill would boost domestic spending while rejecting president's fiscal 2009 budget proposals to cut Medicare and Medicaid spending.

Defense

Lawmaker to Navy: Cut new destroyers, build cruisers faster

Ending DDG-1000 production would likely require the Navy to start production again on the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class destroyer.

Oversight

Census Bureau facing huge cost increase, possible delays in 2010 effort

Problems with new handheld devices could increase costs by as much as $2 billion.

Defense

Coast Guard is failing to invest adequately in shore facilities, audit finds

Crumbling infrastructure increasingly jeopardizes operations.

Oversight

Public mandates, market pressures squeeze Postal Service

Agency expects to lose more than $1 billion this year.

Defense

Central Command fields queries on troop levels from Senate Armed Services Committee

Lawmakers concerned over what they view as a deteriorating military and political situation in Afghanistan.

Defense

More records behind no-bid contract sought by House committee

Oversight committee continues to probe $39 million no-bid contract Homeland Security awarded for electricity grid in New York City.

Defense

Speaker calls for review of Air Force tanker contract

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., joined an increasing number of lawmakers expressing concern over contract.

Oversight

The Democrats' Advantages

The Democrats have money and history on their side going into the general election.

Defense

Clinton supports bill to ban use of State Department private security contractors

Democratic presidential hopeful wants diplomatic security in Iraq and Afghanistan handled by federal personnel.

Oversight

OMB chief threatens vetoes before Dem budgets unveiled

House and Senate committees plan to mark up the fiscal 2009 budget resolution this week.