Oversight

Tracking jobs created under Recovery Act could be tricky

Agencies will rely on fund recipients to provide data, raising questions about accuracy.

Oversight

IG: Energy is setting a poor example for conservation

Despite leadership role, department hasn’t sufficiently reduced the energy consumption of its own computer systems.

News And Analysis

Border Wars

Turf battles between Justice and Homeland Security are undermining efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Defense

National security cutter approved for classified operations

Centerpiece of Coast Guard's modernization program is deemed fully operational following rigorous inspection program.

Defense

Navy shipbuilding plans run into fiscal reality

The service can't build the 313-vessel fleet it wants unless it substantially increases its procurement budget, or dramatically cuts the cost of building new ships.

Defense

Army to create central acquisition organization

Headquarters systems engineers will improve program interoperability with eye on costs.

Defense

Air Force wants to retire aging jets early

Cost savings and 4,000 positions would be redirected to more urgent requirements.

Defense

Air Force vows to improve acquisition system

Plan would expand workforce and revise processes to keep programs on time and within budget.

Oversight

IG: Energy needs to improve contractor oversight

Watchdog cites potential conflict of interest in radioactive waste disposal at Hanford Site.

Oversight

Coast Guard seeks to hire more contract managers

Administration’s budget request supports service’s modernization plans.

Oversight

Energy budget reflects shifting priorities

Secretary says reforming the department’s business operations will be a top priority.

Oversight

Interior taps stimulus funds for renewable energy production

Bureau of Land Management will open new offices in four Western states to process lease applications.

Features

Off Course

The Navy’s shipbuilding plans are hitting the shoals of fiscal reality.

Defense

DHS-supported fusion centers raise civil liberties concerns

Virginia governor calls for investigation into methods used to create 2009 state threat assessment.

Defense

Lawmakers probe Defense acquisition workforce issues

After years of staff cuts, the department and military services are slowly rebuilding contracting capacity.

Oversight

Interior seeks to rescind controversial mining rule

Bush administration’s mountaintop coal mining provision is ‘legally defective,’ Salazar says.

Oversight

FEMA, ICE nominees pledge to focus on agency performance

Full Senate is expected soon to confirm Craig Fugate and John Morton for top Homeland Security posts.

News

Administration urged to develop comprehensive energy spending plan

Without such a strategy, the government won’t meet energy or climate goals, according to symposium participants.

Defense

Air Force fast tracks hiring for acquisition jobs

Process that took as long as four months now takes less than three weeks.

Defense

Gates takes reform agenda to military officers

The Pentagon bureaucracy has marginalized the needs of troops and their families, Defense secretary tells future leaders.