Pay & Benefits
OPM says telework has increased despite appearances
Change in definition accounts for falling numbers; disparities in telework by pay grade remain.
Oversight
IG: Justice inconsistent in reporting of data breaches
Department not fully meeting 2006 requirement that the loss of sensitive information must be reported within one hour, auditors find.
Tech
Space exploration proponents regroup to fight for resources
House subcommittee allocates relatively minor increases in NASA funding to earth science programs, aeronautics research, education and climate change sensors.
Oversight
OMB releases guide for guarding statistical data
Guidelines implement a 2002 law and establish uniform standards for protecting sensitive information.
Oversight
VA sets aside $20 million to handle latest data breach
Money to pay for credit monitoring will come out of cybersecurity budget, agency official says.
Defense
Army, Air Force seek to go on offensive in cyber war
Services ask for technology industry’s help in launching attacks on enemy systems.
Pay & Benefits
Definition of 'telework,' measure of benefits still lacking
Many agencies don’t have a handle on how many employees actually work away from the office, and lack ways to quantify productivity gains.
Oversight
GSA chief spars with House panel Democrats
At hearing Wednesday, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., calls for Lurita Doan's resignation.
Tech
Lawmakers weigh proposal to expand telework eligibility
Group representing managers argues they should have the final say in determining which employees can work away from the office.
Defense
Army weighs using RFID network partially owned by Chinese firm
Radio frequency identification network in Pakistan would track shipments to American forces in Afghanistan.
Oversight
Former White House chief urges overhaul of congressional panels
Andrew Card, former Bush chief of staff and Transportation secretary, says agencies are mired in “bureaucracy” on Capitol Hill.
Tech
Standards body drafts guide on preventing data breaches
Publication is designed to accompany earlier release on minimum controls, and lists different security measures and explains how to test them.
Defense
Lawmakers move to halt funds for data-mining plan
Funding wouldn’t be released until the Homeland Security Department submits a privacy-impact assessment for the program.
Oversight
White House urged to punish GSA chief to 'fullest extent'
Letter to President Bush on Lurita Doan's potential Hatch Act violation says she failed to cooperate fully with investigation.
Oversight
Agriculture technology chief to leave at end of month
David Combs managed USDA’s $2 billion technology budget, covering 29 agencies and offices nationwide.
Defense
Lawmakers wary as Secure Border Initiative nears launch
First phase of program slated to become operational on June 13.
Oversight
GSA announces new purchase card providers
Cards will have features to enhance oversight, such as automatic e-mail notification of purchases to supervisors.
Tech
Malicious software takes up time, resources
Office of Management and Budget official says agencies need to do more than the minimum to comply with cybersecurity law.
Tech
NASA contract workers threaten strike
All sides agree that a walkout beginning Sunday would not affect shuttle launch set for Friday.
Defense