News And Analysis

Tested in Battle

Soldiers are putting the Army’s futuristic systems through their paces.

Defense

FEMA’s response to formaldehyde discovery impeded timely resolution, IG says

Agency delayed testing for health problems associated with trailers to craft a communications strategy.

Defense

Air Force outlines long-term plan for unmanned aircraft

Document creates an institutional framework for expanding the role of drones.

Oversight

Academy urges major management reform at Energy

Serious problems, especially in human resources, jeopardize department’s mission, independent review finds.

Defense

White House opposes Senate plan to eliminate senior Pentagon positions

Lawmakers want to give 23 deputy undersecretaries at Defense lower-ranking titles.

Defense

IG: Secure Border Initiative lacks effective oversight

Contractors are performing work that should be done by government employees, auditors find.

Defense

Senators seek to eliminate 23 senior Pentagon positions

Lawmakers decry 'proliferation' of deputy undersecretaries, say positions should be redesignated with other titles.

News

Fewer goals, clear strategy contribute to effective leadership, study shows

The most successful federal leaders worked fewer hours than less successful executives.

Defense

Coast Guard management practices get a makeover

Commandant Adm. Thad Allen and his team are overhauling the service from the inside out.

Defense

Air Force leaders describe plan to improve ISR capabilities

Service has been under pressure to boost intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support on the battlefield.

Oversight

Financial managers worried about tracking stimulus funds, survey shows

Recovery Act reporting requirements pose major challenges at federal and state levels.

Features

The New Guardians

Coast Guard chief Thad Allen and his team are remaking the service from the inside out.

News

Stimulus gives federal money managers a seat at the table

Chief financial officers are under enormous pressure to meet new reporting requirements with outdated financial systems.

Defense

Agency turf battles thwart efforts to combat arms trafficking

ICE and ATF don’t coordinate operations or collect and analyze data effectively, watchdog says.

Oversight

Coast Guard names new acquisition chief

Rear Adm. Ronald Rábago will oversee the service’s $28 billion investment portfolio and a growing organization.

Defense

Enforcement agencies boost cooperation on drug investigations

Agreement aims to end turf battles between DEA and ICE over the handling of cross-border drug smuggling cases.

Defense

General aviation presents limited security threat, IG finds

Report comes in response to Texas television station’s allegations of security breaches.

Features

Show Us The Money

Chief financial officers are under enormous pressure to meet new reporting requirements with outdated financial systems.

Defense

Coast Guard facility operates entirely on renewable energy

Using methane gas from a city landfill, officials are generating enough electricity and steam to power a shipyard.

Oversight

Plug-in electric vehicles pose challenges for feds

High costs, infrastructure shortcomings and other difficulties are likely to hinder widespread use in the federal fleet, GAO says.