Oversight

5 Indicted for Alleged Scheme to Steal Millions From Military Members and Veterans

Potential victims of fraud and identity theft will be notified, and Defense will provide free credit monitoring services.

Defense

Defense Department Inaction Is Hurting Effort to Improve Pentagon Efficiency

Officials are nearly two years late in meeting some congressional requirements, a watchdog found.

Oversight

2020 Democrats Have Plans to Add New Federal Agencies

Creating Peace and Cybersecurity departments are among the proposals.

Oversight

Watchdog Group Tallies 2,310 Conflicts of Interest Associated With President Trump’s Businesses

Report highlights an unprecedented mix of presidential affairs and personal business.

Management

Attorney General Orders Reassignment of Acting Bureau of Prisons Director 

Move comes in the aftermath of financier Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide at a Manhattan federal correctional facility.   

Defense

Defense Could Do More to Curb Errors in Travel Payments, Watchdog Finds

Department is not doing a good job of tracking progress on its plan to reduce mistakes, GAO said. 

Management

Trump Administration Proposes New Rule to Protect Religion-Based Federal Contractors

Critics of the Labor Department proposal say it will sanction discrimination.

Management

Former State Department Employee Pleads Guilty to Procurement Fraud

The official had a social relationship with a furniture manufacturing executive, with whom she shared confidential contract information.

Oversight

Union Sues to Give Federal Employees the Right to Talk ‘Impeachment’ and 'Resistance'

The American Federation of Government Employees argues the Office of Special Counsel violated the First Amendment with guidance on using those terms. 

Management

EPA Exceeded Trump’s Deregulatory Expectations

But the agency’s inspector general says officials shortchanged management controls and haven’t been transparent about decision making.

Workforce

Former FBI Agent Peter Strzok’s Lawsuit Highlights a Gray Area in the Hatch Act

The act does not address the use of  government cell phones to send political text messages. 

Management

The Trump Administration Finally Has a Top Procurement Administrator

Innovation, cost efficiency, cybersecurity protections, small business partnerships and category management are all on Michael Wooten’s agenda.

Management

As More Veterans Turn to Nursing Homes for Care, VA Needs to Improve Oversight

A watchdog recommends the Veterans Affairs Department boost facility inspections and provide more comprehensive information to vets and their families.

Management

Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Transition Team Ethics Requirements 

Bill also clarifies GSA’s role during presidential changeovers.  

Management

State Department Reforms Have Been Hindered by Changes in Staff and Priorities, Watchdog Finds

One initiative is complete, 13 are ongoing, two were stalled and one was terminated, GAO says. 

Oversight

Federal Contract Spending Grew 9% in 2018, Increasing for the Third Straight Year

Agencies spent $559 billion on prime and unclassified contracts.

Management

Shutdown Had Deep Financial and Mental Health Impact on IRS Workers, Study Finds

Researchers are examining the impact of the 35-day shutdown on a Utah community with a high concentration of federal employees.

Management

Watchdog Finds Flaws In Just 0.01% of IRS Purchase Card Transactions

The few violations that did occur over a recent six-month period included hand sanitizer and wipes.  

Management

How Robert Mueller Worked to Prevent Leaks

The Justice Department considers unauthorized disclosures a serious national security threat.

Management

Republicans and Democrats Divided on Approach to Scientific Integrity at Federal Agencies

Democrats hold hearing to advocate for a bill they say would protect federal researchers from inappropriate political influence.