Author Archive
Features
The Wrong War
The insistence on applying Cold War metaphors to cybersecurity is misplaced and counterproductive.
Management
Unfinished spending measure complicates release of fiscal 2008 budget
OMB official discusses complexities, says confrontations over the new budget may be more public with Democrats in control of Congress.
Management
Congressional staff members gather tips on oversight
Groups are offering advice to help legislators make good on promises for more aggressive reviews of executive branch activities.
News
Allegations of cronyism, misdeeds leave labor panel under cloud
Executive director departs suddenly after investigators suggest he engaged in illegal lobbying activities, denies any wrongdoing.
Defense
Commerce secretary works to help tourism industry
Carlos Gutierrez is bringing industry’s concerns to the State and Homeland Security departments.
Defense
FEMA acknowledges possibility of longer trailer park stays
Agreement with nonprofit will allow a community center to open at one Gulf Coast site; group hopes more will follow.
Management
EPA requires justification for fully competitive contracts
Agencies typically defer to full and open competition and grant set-asides on a case-by-case basis.
Defense
FEMA bulks up on supplies, systems for tracking them
Despite improvements, strategy emphasizing federal decision-making may continue to hinder disaster response, skeptics say.
Defense
DHS seeks to better serve disaster victims with disabilities
Council working to ensure announcements in emergency shelters reach people who do not hear or see, among other things.
Defense
Government continues to subsidize building in hurricane-prone areas
At the federal level, however, more thought is being given to discouraging development along high-risk stretches of coastline.
Management
White House working to better coordinate ocean research
More than 20 agencies and 140 federal laws rule the oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.
Management
Lobbyists seek to broker deals with agencies
Even former FEMA director Michael Brown is in on the business of helping contractors sell products to the government.
News
FEMA works to keep trailer parks temporary
Agency tries to prevent Katrina victims from getting too comfortable in temporary housing, so they’ll be ready to leave within 18 months.
Management
OMB seeks feedback on risk assessment guidelines
New governmentwide rules are aimed at promoting sound science and transparency.
Management
Agencies tackle massive Gulf Coast waste removal challenge
EPA, Army Corps and contractors involved in effort to safely dispose of at least 90 million cubic yards of rubble.
News
SBA slammed for Katrina delays
As of late November, agency had approved just 472 of 18,080 applications for loans to offset physical damage.
Management
Gaps remain in government strategy for handling natural disasters
Plans aren’t comprehensive enough and are too reactive, observers say.
Defense
Air Force rejects benefits for 'Air America' employees
Pilots for CIA-run secret airline who flew clandestine missions in Southeast Asia had sought retirement benefits.
News
Energy recycles conservation initiative
Campaign to encourage energy conservation--featuring a "spokes-villain" called the "Energy Hog"--dates back to 2002.
Management
The Decision Makers: Office of Management and Budget
A look at the top leaders of the agency that coordinates the administration's procurement, financial management, information and regulatory policies.
