Tech

NASA turns to private sector for supply missions

First SpaceX launch with about 1,000 pounds of food, clothing, equipment and 23 science experiments goes off without a hitch.

Management

Too little info for pre-sequestration layoff warnings, contractors say

Boeing and General Dynamics say they don’t have enough details to gauge threat to workforce.

Oversight

Agencies flunk libertarian transparency tests

Activists praise House Republicans for making more documents public.

Management

Lockheed says it won’t issue sequester-related layoff notices this year

Company cites administration guidance on when cuts would occur and what contractor costs would be covered.

Management

OMB to contractors: Follow Labor guidance on pre-sequester layoff notices

If companies do, officials say, agencies will cover their liability under federal law requiring advance warning of layoffs.

Tech

Meteorologists ask lawmakers for a weather commission

Proposed center would advise policymakers on setting priorities.

Defense

Pentagon: Don't tweet about the former SEAL's Bin Laden book

The Defense Department has issued employee guidelines on handling the tell-all.

Management

Senate delays STOCK Act for senior execs

Bill postpones online publication of feds’ finances until Dec. 8.

Pay & Benefits

Federal judge halts enforcement of controversial STOCK Act provision

Affected federal employees get a second extension on disclosing financial information.

Oversight

Bill to stop vets from falsifying military honors passes House

The Supreme Court struck down the 2006 version of the law in June.

Tech

Feds fight back against claim they work less

Report doesn’t account for overtime disparities, critics note.

Pay & Benefits

Washington gives props to feds at annual awards gala

Nonprofit group honors civil servants for wide-ranging work in medicine, transportation safety, and law enforcement.

Oversight

IRS defends implementation of health care law

Deputy commissioner tells GOP critical number of staff involved is 859.

Management

Defense industry planning pre-sequestration layoff warnings

Contractors send notifications despite Labor Department guidance to the contrary.

Tech

The feds can't catch the cartels' cocaine-filled submarines

The famously daring and elusive drug-running vessels have taken the Caribbean by storm.

Tech

Mars mission director’s message to feds: Persevere

Patience and willingness to make hard decisions are critical, says Doug McCuistion.

Oversight

No More Solyndras Act would cost $1 million over four years, CBO says

Bill to revamp Energy Department loan program also would hold guilty officials liable.