Oversight
OMB elaborates on regulatory review for independent agencies
OIRA chief Sunstein offers template for assessment of potentially burdensome rules under Obama executive order.
Oversight
Senator moves to end minting of largely ignored presidential coins
Vitter bill would shut down Mint’s multiyear production of commemorative $1 pieces that mostly sit in warehouses.
Defense
Homeland Security relying more on fixed-price contracts, report says
Small businesses winning a healthy proportion as the department’s awards shift from disaster response to IT and defense, think tank data show.
News
Former comptroller adds another budget plan to debt crisis mix
David Walker presents two frameworks to deeply cut federal programs and agency budgets in installments or during crisis.
Defense
Pentagon acquisition chief seeks to reassure industry on budget cuts
With leaner times ahead for major weapons systems, profits still viable, Ashton Carter says.
Oversight
Consumer protection bureau gets designated leader on eve of opening
Obama makes unexpected nomination as newest agency wins plaudits for preparations while under fire.
Defense
Defense chief asked to postpone planned move to new Virginia building
Citing continued worries over traffic, four lawmakers ask Panetta to delay the move and cap parking at new site.
Defense
Leaked email shows Defense audit agency sought subpoena power, contractor pay caps
Newly released 2009 document obtained by Project on Government Oversight details rejected proposals.
Oversight
OMB lists contract categories vulnerable to overspending
Industry group official says use of many of the risky codes already is on the decline.
Defense
Federal Protective Service struggles with new management tools
Nine months into job, director hasn’t implemented GAO recommendations on training and tracking guard assignments.
Oversight
Time-and-materials contracts reduced by $1 billion, says OMB
Obama effort to favor fixed-price acquisitions has shown progress governmentwide, according to chief procurement policy officer.
News
Political posturing hampers debt deal talks, says government reform scholar
Paul Light says negotiators are ignoring ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ for agency streamlining.
Oversight
Obama widens regulatory review to independent agencies
Executive order requests voluntary participation in a governmentwide effort to root out burdensome and unnecessary rules.
News
IRS decision to end gift audits not political, specialist says
Career official in tax agency’s nonprofit division announced end to examinations of five campaign organizations.
Oversight
HUD rebuts charge of illegal grant to ACORN
Judiciary Watch says housing money violated congressional ban on funding for dismantled community action group.
Oversight
Cut contracting costs by 15 percent, agencies are told
OMB sets goal of saving $6 billion on management support services as part of campaign to ‘buy smarter and buy less.’
Oversight