Oversight
White House clarification of ‘inherently governmental functions’ draws criticism
Questions raised on ‘essential’ government workers and outreach to small businesses.
Oversight
Contracting services fails to save agencies money, report says
Project on Government Oversight compared federal employee pay costs with contractor rates for billable hours.
News
IRS whistleblower awards program faulted for delays
GAO report prompts debate on whether agency units are underfunded.
Oversight
OMB announces final guidance on inherently governmental functions
Letter aims at `better balance’ between contracting out and building in-house capabilities, CPO Jeffrey Zients says.
Defense
Defense budget could fall by 31 percent in 10 years, think tank says
Cuts should be strategically targeted to fit post-9/11 priorities the Pentagon must determine, analysts say.
Defense
Government’s response to 9/11 called positive and democratic
Panelists describe major improvements in military, national intelligence, state and local surveillance tools.
News
Consumer bureau nominee wins praise, but stalemate persists
Senate banking panel agrees Cordray is caught in battle over oversight of new agency.
Defense
Despite its progress, Homeland Security remains on GAO risk list
Report released for 9/11 anniversary describes eight years of improved counterterrorism but uneven management.
Defense
House Republicans continue demanding Obama disaster-spending plan
OMB Director Jack Lew estimates relief from Hurricane Irene will require new $1.5 billion.
News
OMB sends Congress preliminary budget number for disaster relief
Budget Director Jack Lew cites flexibility under debt-ceiling deal; estimates on damage from Irene still pending.
Oversight
Grumblings persist over demise of Statistical Abstract
Librarians hold out hope Census Bureau’s plan to kill data compendium will be reversed this fall.
Features
Ten Years After
On the anniversary of our gravest terrorist attack, federal agencies take stock of the quest to keep America safe.
Defense
Wartime commission report on waste prompts opposing reactions
Contractors group says criticism ‘ignores realities’ of war zone contingency operations.
Oversight
IRS allowed $4.2 billion in credits to undocumented workers, audit says
Treasury inspector highlights dramatic rise in one refundable tax break, but agency says its hands are tied.
Defense