Tech

IT security measure may founder in lame-duck Senate

Veterans Affairs’ move to consolidate technology operations addresses much of what was in the bill, Senate spokesman says.

Tech

Private sector grows skeptical of IT consolidation efforts

Poor planning and a lack of execution could doom the Office of Management and Budget’s information technology streamlining projects, industry officials say.

Tech

Officials expect congressional oversight of IT to increase

Observers don’t, however, expect drastic changes in government information technology policy.

Management

IRS still planning public-private contest for computer services

Competition could encompass 2,000 jobs, but a request for proposals scheduled to be released last month has been delayed.

Tech

Firm withdraws protest of ID card services contract

GSA officials are weighing how to proceed with next contract for end-to-end services to help agencies meet presidential mandate.

Tech

IRS chief warns tax industry of growing debate over online filing services

Mark Everson said Congress may order the agency to provide its own tax preparation services.

News

Mileage reimbursement could return to highest level ever

Federal employees could receive a 4-cent bump to 48.5 cents per mile next year in reimbursement for driving personal vehicles for work.

Defense

Defense begins issuing new identification cards

Upgrades to make cards compliant with presidential mandate are expected to boost efficiency, protect privacy and guard against identity theft.

Tech

GSA changes strategy for identification card contracts

In an attempt to achieve more competitive pricing, GSA opens up its contract for end-to-end card services to its schedules program.

Tech

Clearance applications not processed within target times

Average time for initial clearances granted in early 2006 was 446 days, GAO finds.

Tech

Federal employees begin receiving new ID cards

Presidential directive required agencies to distribute new high tech credentials to at least one worker by Friday.

Tech

Income limits spur drop in use of free tax filing software

Auditors say cap conflicts with e-government initiative's goal of boosting overall electronic filing.

Tech

Google seeks better access to government information

Online search giant says as much as 40 percent of public information on agency Web sites is unsearchable.

Tech

More FOIA funds, staff needed, group says

National Security Archive says recent Justice Department report on reforming Freedom of Information Act procedures fails to address resource constraints.

Management

GAO to recommend oversight priorities for next Congress

Comptroller General expects more congressional hearings if Democrats take control of at least one chamber.

Management

OMB official discusses possibility of reinvesting IT savings

Official also says agencies are on target to meet deadline next week for new high-tech ID cards.

Tech

Staffing plans for IT upgrade at FBI called inadequate

Program management office is almost fully staffed, but relies heavily on contractors and lacks plans to fill future gaps, GAO says.

Tech

Agency FOIA administration found to be improving

But several agencies have yet to properly address how they will reduce backlogs of requests, Justice report states.

Management

Oversight panel leaders pledge to maintain bipartisanship

Government Reform Committee chairman, ranking member anticipate continued collaboration even if Democrats win control of House.

Tech

GSA finalizes merger of contracting organizations

Amount of authority the consolidated acquisition office will have over regional offices is not settled.