Defense

Gulf Coast officials: FEMA understates project costs

State and local officials tell lawmakers that process for acquiring hurricane recovery funds is seriously flawed.

Defense

Homeland Security faces continued vacancies in high-level jobs

Congressional report says gaps threaten security, continuity of government; agency says it already is focused on filling positions.

Defense

Homeland Security, E.U. reach agreement on passenger data sharing

New agreement attempts to strike balance between U.S. security and European Union concerns about passenger privacy.

Defense

Border agency defends practice of exposing trainees to pepper spray

CBP says exposure helps new officers understand the capabilities and limitations of the spray.

Defense

Security to be tight at Washington July Fourth celebration

Park Police leading effort to keep the nation’s largest Independence Day event incident-free in wake of thwarted U.K. plot.

Defense

DHS steps up mass transit, airport security

"Abundance of caution" prompts extra measures during holiday week following foiled plots in the United Kingdom.

Defense

IG praises post-Katrina volunteer program

More than 1,000 employees from various federal agencies pitched in on a voluntary basis.

Defense

Lawmakers push Homeland Security to track visitor departures

Agency says it plans to have exit element in place by 2009.

Defense

Border Patrol looks to hire more women, minorities

Agency sees expansion as an opportunity to increase diversity.

Defense

USDA, Homeland Security urged to coordinate bird flu responses

GAO says agencies must define their roles in the case of a major outbreak, to head off a possible pandemic.

Defense

FEMA announces advisory council membership

New panel meant to increase local focus and cooperation for emergency preparedness.

Defense

FBI name checks blamed for immigration benefits delays

Ombudsman says number of long-pending cases grew in the past year, recommends risk-based approach.

Defense

Protective service under fire for oversight of contract guards

Hundreds of contract guards went unpaid for as many as six weeks.

Defense

Coast Guard names executive to new acquisition job

Position added as part of effort to strengthen the service’s contracting efforts in face of Deepwater controversy.

Defense

DHS delays plans for land-sea passport requirement

Retreat from initial January 2008 goal expected to ease strain on passport processing agency.

Defense

Border Patrol to expedite training for Spanish speakers

Plan will free up space so academy can handle influx of agents, but questions remain as to the adequacy of training and mentoring in the field.

Oversight

Industry group lobbies to loosen requirements for disadvantaged business status

Aerospace Industries Association says limit on net worth is too restrictive and outpaced by inflation.

News And Analysis

Telework Hang-Ups

Management

Pentagon to hire more than 100 auditors

Direct-hire request granted to address department’s urgent need to fill positions.

Defense

Defense official outlines personnel system principles

Navy Secretary tells employees process is “like designing a complex weapon system.”