Management
Agencies back environmentally friendly building principles
Agreement is aimed at boosting energy efficiency and indoor air quality at new and existing federal facilities.
Defense
Report: Annual missile defense spending could double in seven years
Costs could reach $19 billion a year by 2013, the Congressional Budget Office says.
Management
Pentagon again delays new labor rules upon judge’s request
Defense Department will forge ahead with creation of National Security Labor Relations Board.
Defense
Funding shortfalls cited for setbacks in storm response drill
Key officials, including the FEMA director, the governor of Louisiana and the mayor of New Orleans, failed to participate in the training exercise, senator says.
Defense
Panelists say regional DHS offices would help disaster response
Participants in Heritage Foundation discussion differ on the role the private sector should play in a regional support system.
Tech
GSA launches upgraded FirstGov search engine
The “next-generation” technology is capable of looking through 40 million government-related documents, agency says.
Management
Panel considers limits on lawmakers' earmark requests
Proposal looks to reduce the overall number of requests from about 35,000 each year to a more manageable number.
Management
Labor issues rule affecting contractors’ hiring processes
Rule designed to prevent discrimination and to help companies follow affirmative action requirements.
Tech
Supreme Court won’t intervene in BlackBerry dispute
Maker of popular communications device argues that a shutdown would impair the government’s use.
Management
Senators say mine safety agency needs more money
Last year’s 1 percent across-the-board spending cut left the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s budget $2.8 million below Bush’s request.
Management
Employees keep training expectations to themselves
Only a third of respondents to Merit Systems Protection Board survey said they informed their supervisors about their needs.
News
Per diem rates raised in several metro areas, including D.C.
Higher lodging rates take effect Feb. 1.
Management
VA aims to make acquisition rules more user-friendly
At the same time, department proposes several new clauses that could scare off potential bidders.
Defense