Defense
From Nextgov.com: Committee pulls purse strings to nudge services toward unified command-and-control systems
House Armed Services report also targets Future Combat Systems delays and IT staff shortage.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Interior allowed to reconnect to Internet
Judge rules six-year disconnect order not valid, but still worries that the department’s computer security practices are inadequate.
Defense
GAO: Post-government employment of Defense contracting officials could pose conflict of interest
The Pentagon is not required to monitor former officials when they begin jobs with defense contractors.
News
Administration official calls House defense earmark provision 'veto bait'
The measure has riled anti-earmarks lawmakers, who view it as an end-run around efforts to increase transparency.
News
OMB director lambastes war spending bill
Former Rep. Jim Nussle says without funding by mid-June government will run out of money to pay troops.
Oversight
Access to contractor misconduct database restricted in Senate bill
Lacking support, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., agrees to make proposed database available only to government officials.
Defense
Advocates question ICE workplace raids' effect on kids
Immigration enforcement agency recently arrested hundreds of workers at an Iowa plant, 12 of whom were between the ages of 15 and 17.
Pay & Benefits
Agencies boost use of hiring flexibilities
OPM reports that use of alternative approaches has gone up by almost 50 percent since 2004.
Pay & Benefits
OPM calls for end to pension penalty for rehired retirees
Union and lawmakers express concerns that new hiring authorities could be subject to abuse.
Management
Expect Less
Agency managers should lower their expectations and increase their budgets when it comes to IT projects.
Oversight
No intimidation of GSA contracting officer found in Sun Microsystems negotiations
Postal Service IG exonerates auditors; former administrator calls findings a “travesty.”
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Government's computer security grade improves slightly for 2007
But some say the report card’s finding means little in light of its shortcomings.
Defense
Defense secretary: Navy, Air Force may need to subsidize Army soon
The Army's dwindling funds could affect service members' pay, training and family support activities.
Oversight
Cisco grilled for allegedly helping Chinese censor, spy on dissidents
Company official downplays allegations, says the only equipment sold to country's public security bureau were routing and switching products.
Defense