Oversight
Senators clash with NASA chief on speed of space transition
Administrator tells panel that U.S. plans to spend about $2 billion under a contract with Russia to provide transport to space station through 2012.
Oversight
Subcommittee grills PTO director on patent backlog, morale
By late 2007, more than 760,000 applications were waiting to be reviewed; hiring restrictions have left agency understaffed.
Tech
Survey: Fewer federal CIOs report directly to agency heads
Security, standardization, consolidation listed among key issues facing technology leaders.
Defense
High energy demands are compromising military operations, science board finds
Dependence on ‘fragile’ electric grid jeopardizes homeland defense, critical infrastructure.
Pay & Benefits
Performance Pay Perils
A salary system for career executives might not be the model many had hoped it would be.
Oversight
Contractors, administration officials voice concerns about contracting bills
Legislators told reform measures could have unintended consequences.
Defense
Appropriators skewer Army over contracting abuse
Senators also question officials on recruiting, care for soldiers and families.
Defense
Air Force: More troops needed, despite planned cuts
Service officials submitted a list of 2009 budget needs including $385 million for additional forces.
Defense
Lawmakers question effectiveness of ‘virtual fence’ on southwestern border
New plans for the Homeland Security’s border security effort extend deployment timeline to 2011.
Tech
GSA to develop registration system for government fleet
Database would allow law enforcement agencies to verify authenticity of official vehicles.
Defense
House panel probes quality of Army recruits
Lawmakers say administration's reliance on supplemental funding makes recruiting more difficult.
Oversight
Panel prepares to move bill to bolster False Claims Act
Move would have significant effect on federal contractors, whistleblowers and trial lawyers.
Oversight
TSA extends whistleblower protections
Unions say agreement with Merit Systems Protection Board doesn’t go far enough.
Oversight
House panel weighs contracting reform legislation
Bills would create a performance database, require disclosure of executive compensation and bar firms with delinquent tax bills.
Oversight