Tech

Report: Tax code complexity places heavy burden on IRS

Taxpayer advocate urges simplification to ease service, enforcement demands.

Defense

Coast Guard modernization program could move faster, contractor says

Acceleration of the 25-year Deepwater project depends on funding, executive notes.

Defense

ICE cited for improper award of small business set-aside contract

Use of a large subcontractor made company ineligible for detention officer and transportation services work, GAO says.

Tech

Foreign Service Institute to join online training program

Overseas orientation and language courses will be among those available to the foreign affairs community.

Management

SBA: Small business contracting picture improving

Advocacy office says federal agencies are awarding an increasing amount of contract dollars to small firms.

Management

Senate approves limited VA job competitions

Legislation would allow some public-private competitions, but prevent full resumption of effort to put federal jobs up for bid.

Defense

Congress follows executive branch lead on 2006 spending cuts

Final appropriations bills incorporate more of President Bush’s proposed program cuts than last year.

Management

Defense spending bill renews job competition restrictions

Annual appropriations measure again includes prohibition against private firms gaining cost advantage by offering reduced health benefits.

Defense

University of California keeps contract to manage Los Alamos

New contract worth $512 million over seven years seeks to draw on experience of big corporate players.

Tech

OMB report shows mixed progress on technology initiatives

Success in reaching 2005 goals uneven, with cybersecurity one area that is lagging.

Management

Union files second protest in Energy job competition

In ongoing tussle, labor leader challenges acceptance of “time and materials” bids in public-private contest.

News

House Democrats criticize SBA for slow disbursal of disaster loans

Administrator defends performance, citing procedural barriers, damaged Gulf Coast infrastructure.

Defense

Government flunks annual audit, again

Accounting problems at the Pentagon muddy the overall financial picture for the ninth year.

Management

Three agencies honored with top management awards

President’s Quality Awards go to the Social Security Administration and departments of State and Labor.