Oversight

Federal government recoups record amount in Medicare fraud

Officials collected $4 billion in 2010; more than half of the money has been returned to the Medicare Trust Fund.

Oversight

Promotions and pay increases decline for many workers

Federal managers should focus on alternative incentives to rewarding employee performance, observer says.

Defense

Obama will spotlight beginning of the end in Afghanistan

In Tuesday's speech, the president is expected to make clear that 2011 will be the high water mark for the U.S troop presence in Afghanistan, which will decline over the next three years.

Defense

Patent Office director touts agency's potential to stimulate economy

Easing the backlog in patent applications could help create jobs, says David Kappos.

Oversight

Contractor performance database goes public in April

GSA sets a target date for opening the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System to public viewing.

Oversight

SEC transparency faulted by watchdog group

Project on Government Oversight assembles previously unpublished reports examining employee misconduct and retaliation against whistleblowers.

Oversight

Interior to reinstate ousted Park Police chief after eight years

Department will not appeal MSPB order to give Teresa Chambers her job back.

Defense

Unwanted Pentagon weapons systems often prove impossible to kill

Lawmakers from both parties are mobilizing to save programs Defense Secretary Gates has placed on the chopping block.

Defense

Firms gearing up final pitches for Air Force tanker contract

Deal for 179 wide-body planes has been valued as high as $40 billion, making it a significant prize for rivals Boeing and EADS North America.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Transportation tackles distracted-driving problem using videos

Agency unveils two new messages on its ‘rampage’ to end deadly practice that has been rising in age of mobile technology.

Oversight

Amtrak e-mail misuse alleged in IG scandal

Amtrak’s independent investigative officer is asking the Postal Service to look into the matter.

Oversight

Union representatives seek more input in workplace issues

Federal managers must step up pre-decisional involvement processes, administration officials say.

Oversight

Supreme Court approves background checks for contractors

NASA has the right to ask scientists questions about past drug use and emotional stability, justices rule.

Oversight

GOP looks to send Obama a message on spending

House Republicans are planning a vote the day of the State of the Union address on a resolution to cut non-security discretionary spending.

Oversight

Interior announces new structure for regulating deepwater drilling

Third reorganization in response to BP oil spill aimed at fixing a bureau long torn by resource development, environmental safety and revenue collecting.

Oversight

GAO: Army contractors performing inherently governmental functions

Review shows private workers in thousands of jobs designated for federal employees.

Defense

House Democrats want panel overseeing intelligence spending reinstated

Democrats argue it would help ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely, while Republicans counter that it would be redundant.

Oversight

Obama orders review of agency regulations

Executive order aims to fix or repeal rules seen as outdated or inefficient that could be restricting job growth.

Oversight

Issa investigates GAO auditors in battle over for-profit schools

Probe prompted by agency's revision of a report issued in the summer outlining alleged fraudulent recruiting practices at for-profit career colleges.

Oversight

Survey shows growing distrust between industry and federal auditors

Contractors polled by Grant Thornton blame Defense Contract Audit Agency for failing to promptly resolve procurement disputes.