Defense
GAO: Despite efforts, gaps remain in data on contractors
Many reforms to improve information-gathering on past performance remain unimplemented, says watchdog agency.
Defense
Debate erupts over whistleblower rights for intelligence workers
Legal experts disagree on whether a pending bill can protect employee rights and national security simultaneously.
Oversight
Acting Special Counsel says employee morale, productivity is high
Following years of scandals, the OSC is rebuilding and anxiously awaiting new leadership.
Oversight
Biden offers rosy outlook in first quarterly stimulus report
Agencies have obligated $88 billion so far, but have paid out less than one third of that.
Oversight
Obama team outlines its management agenda
Priorities include revamping Bush’s system of evaluating programs and hiring “several hundred thousand” civil servants.
Oversight
Administration short on details about program review process
Obama team is working on overhauling performance measures.
Oversight
Obama budget eliminates or trims 121 programs
Line-by-line review identifies $17 billion in potential savings in fiscal 2010.
Defense
Defense official discourages technological overreach in contracts
William Lynn warns against always striving for new and “exotic” technologies on large acquisitions.
Oversight
USAID reviews for-profits’ role in foreign assistance grants
New interpretation of rules could limit the pool of talent available to nonprofits that need help on aid projects.
News And Analysis
Clean Sweep
Following years of scandals, the Office of Special Counsel is rebuilding and anxiously awaiting new leadership.
Oversight
Senator seeks indefinite competitive sourcing freeze
Bill to “clean up” contracting includes language that would bar competitions until the process is overhauled.
Defense
New Defense procurement chief lays out priorities
Ashton Carter says logistics issues that fly under the radar are on his list.
Defense
Outgoing Defense acquisition chief warns against excessive regulation
John Young says we’re headed toward a “tax code-like” set of contracting rules.
Oversight
New nonprofit to focus on acquisition reform
The FAIR Institute will develop solutions based on federal and commercial best practices.
Oversight
Budget amendment directs agencies to trim wasteful spending
Senate version of the fiscal 2010 budget blueprint includes a provision requiring agencies to report to Congress on inefficient federal programs.
Oversight
GAO says states need federal help tracking stimulus dollars
The Office of Management and Budget will release guidance in early May that gives states more flexibility in covering oversight costs, vice president vows.
Oversight
IGs seek more authority to combat contracting fraud
Wish list presented to new Senate procurement oversight subcommittee includes expanding powers granted under the Recovery Act.
Oversight
GSA officials say they are off to a fast start on energy-efficiency projects
Analysts urge government to take the lead on green construction, despite recession.
Oversight
Private sector experience could serve performance czar well
Jeffrey Zients was successful at firms that conduct customized research on best practices in health care and financial management.
Defense
Union challenges decision to outsource hundreds of jobs at West Point
AFGE and New York lawmakers claim the public-private competition was conducted unfairly.
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