Oversight
Draft rule clarifies government’s procurement priorities with respect to small business
Proposal spells out no preference exists when awarding contracts among disadvantaged businesses.
Defense
Senator condemns Army response to unsafe water in Iraq
A March 7 inspector general report says former Halliburton subsidiary did not follow Army standards on water quality.
Oversight
Senate budget would boost advance appropriations by $4 billion
Fiscal 2009 budget resolution estimates total discretionary spending is $22 billion more than President Bush's proposal.
Pay & Benefits
Legislation would allow more feds to cash out sick leave at retirement
Civil servants under the Federal Employees Retirement System could receive a one-time payment up to $10,000.
Defense
Army says it needs up to $260 billion per year
That’s about half the total requested by the Pentagon for 2009.
Pay & Benefits
Feds need more respect, better benefits, says congressman
Maryland Democrat tells union members that federal workforce is at the forefront of change in policy, labor.
Defense
FEMA to take over mass care role formerly held by Red Cross
GAO finds agency’s expanded role is appropriate, but raises concerns.
Defense
House panels seek info on FBI data collection programs
The FBI requested $12 million for information analysis center in fiscal 2008.
Defense
Overruns, delays plague satellite programs, lawmakers told
Development setbacks stretch into decades and billions of dollars, GAO official said.
Oversight
Panel questions e-procurement’s effects on small businesses
House committee skeptical of e-Travel initiative, reverse auctions.
News
Senate passes Consumer Product Safety Commission overhaul bill
More than 20 amendments made it into the managers' package, including a compromise with Republicans on whistleblowers.
Oversight
Senate Democrats approve budget on partisan vote
Bush has said he will veto any fiscal 2009 appropriations bills that exceed his overall spending target.
Oversight
Protest of huge IT services contract upheld
Judge calls GSA's selection criteria for Alliant vendors “arbitrary and capricious,” and puts contract on hold.
Oversight
House, Senate budget panels clear $3 trillion spending plans
House bill would boost domestic spending while rejecting president's fiscal 2009 budget proposals to cut Medicare and Medicaid spending.
Defense
Lawmaker to Navy: Cut new destroyers, build cruisers faster
Ending DDG-1000 production would likely require the Navy to start production again on the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class destroyer.
News