Oversight
Committee to review gaps in contractor suspension and debarment
Three recent IG reports have found major deficiencies in the system for preventing unethical contractors from getting on the government payroll.
Oversight
Senate approves FAA rider to return unspent earmarks
Plan would require OMB to determine how many similar earmarks there are governmentwide.
Defense
White House details ethics agreement with TSA nominee
Harding will have three levels of recusals for dealing with the contracting business he founded in 2003 and the clients and partners of that business.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Napolitano freezes spending for high-tech border security project
Secretary cites cost overruns and missed deadlines as reasons to move $50 million in Recovery Act funding for the first phase of SBInet to pay for proven technologies.
Pay & Benefits
Burning Question: What's one job where federal experience really comes in handy?
For some private-sector positions, having a federal job on your resume is nice. For others, it's a virtual necessity.
Defense
Lawmakers: Facilities shouldn’t set their own security standards
D.C. delegate suggests establishing minimum requirements governmentwide so employees who “don’t know a hill of beans about security” aren’t making the rules.
Pay & Benefits
Strong connections could be key ingredient of fellowship program
Students will need more than financial support to pursue federal careers in international relations, observer says.
Defense
FEMA seeks to boost regional offices
Lawmakers praise efforts to decentralize operations, but worry about staffing shortages.
Oversight
Dems hit Kentucky senator for new holds
Republican Jim Bunning is holding up administration nominees, critics say.
Pay & Benefits
KSAs could be kaput by April
OPM chief says plan to eliminate controversial essays from federal hiring process is on the fast track.
Defense
Petraeus: Expect setbacks in Afghan war
Army general says next several months will be marked by tough fighting, as the military sends 30,000 more troops to quell rising violence.
Defense
Legal adviser: Drone position will be explained
State Department's Harold Koh said he is "comfortable" with the administration's legal position on the use of unmanned aircraft to kill suspected terrorists.
News
Burning Question: How is the Obama administration like an episode of 'The Simpsons'?
Hint: It has to do with that whole ‘making government cool’ thing.
Defense
OMB details many concerns with intelligence bills
Congressional notification provisions in House and Senate authorization measures top the list of issues.
News