Oversight
IBM suspension lifted
Agencies can resume awarding contracts for products and services from the company.
Pay & Benefits
Delayed Gratification
For many newly retired feds, the wait for that first full retirement check is long and painful.
Defense
No record of arms dealer’s certification as disadvantaged business
Suspended Defense contractor was designated as small and disadvantaged, but federal officials say it was never officially classified as such.
Defense
General says Army needs to reduce combat tours in Iraq
Army vice chief of staff nominee says a maximum of 12 months is the goal.
Pay & Benefits
IT security concerns slow telework adoption
Private sector moves ahead of federal government in security measures and technical support.
Oversight
GSA now says resellers not affected by IBM suspension
Federal contractors can continue to sell IBM products under their own contracts.
Oversight
Census to scrap handheld computers for 2010 count
Increased costs and performance issues lead to Commerce secretary’s decision, which will cost the bureau up to $3 billion.
Pay & Benefits
OPM touts success of new electronic retirement system
Under RetireEZ, 34 retirees received an accurate annuity payment within 30 days, agency says.
Defense
Much-derided overseas contracting loophole to be closed
OMB says the exemption was included in draft regulations because they were based on a decades-old Defense Department rule.
Defense
Inspector general notes moderate progress at FEMA
IG says agency has made improvements, but not "substantial" ones, in eight of nine of the most important preparedness areas.
Pay & Benefits
Imperfect Performance
Despite flawed programs and numerous failures, the U.S. is still ahead of the curve in measuring the effectiveness of government.
Oversight
GSA official: IBM 'suspension is not punishment'
Resellers to feel the financial pain of company’s disbarment from receiving new federal contracts.
Defense
Panel concludes Reserves need greater job flexibility, career choices
Pentagon’s personnel policies do not account for new realities as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
News
Congress still pigging out on pork-barrel projects: watchdog group
Fruit fly research, lobster exploration among projects flagged as wasteful in latest ‘Pig Book.’
Defense
FEMA director to resign
David Paulison says he won't leave before or during the 2008 hurricane season.
Defense
Citizenship applications backlog may deny voting eligibility
DHS chief said applications have spiked more than 100 percent from previous years.
Defense
Intelligence officers call al Qaeda nuclear threat real
Officials also tell Senate panel that they don't believe any terrorist organization has developed a nuclear device yet.
Pay & Benefits
FAA, controllers union to test system for safety reporting
Plan would protect air traffic controllers from retaliation for raising concerns.
Defense