Oversight

House oversight panel Democrats get more aggressive

Committee’s ranking member vows to “do everything in our power” to stop any GOP witch hunts.

Defense

Gates takes ax to Defense programs to end ‘culture of endless money’

Department identifies $154 billion in proposed efficiencies though ending weapons programs, changing business practices.

Oversight

Veteran-owned small businesses now must prove their status

Rule requires companies to submit documentation to gain access to special contracting opportunities.

Defense

Audit finds FEMA slow to recover improper payments

Inspector general reports agency has yet to recoup $643 million in erroneous payments to victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Management

Study hails use of online reverse auctions

Survey finds major cost and performance efficiencies at Customs and Border Protection from using tool.

Trends

Flipping the Script

The White House and federal employees could face some unwelcome scrutiny.

Defense

Defense scales back organizational conflict-of-interest rule

Final regulation is limited to major weapons systems and removes mitigation as preferred remedy.

Oversight

Obama ends popular internship program, creates new pathways to federal service

Federal Career Intern Program has been used to hire thousands of employees but has drawn criticism that it circumvents merit system.

Oversight

Whistleblower protection bill dies again, on the 1-yard line

Measure clears House on Wednesday, but is blocked in Senate through an anonymous hold.

Defense

Insourcing provisions land on the cutting room floor

Language that would have brought more work back in-house was not included in either chamber’s version of Defense authorization bill.

Oversight

House passes bill to improve agency performance

Legislation requires agencies to designate senior officials to serve as chief operating and performance improvement officers.

Oversight

Senate passes bill to reform Census Bureau

Measure would make the director’s position a five-year presidentially appointed term beginning in 2012.

Pay & Benefits

Federal whistleblower bill passes the Senate

Long-awaited legislation to better protect employees who expose potential fraud, waste or abuse overcomes 11th hour hurdle.

Oversight

California Republican wins chairmanship of House oversight panel

Rep. Darrell Issa has served as the committee’s ranking member for two years and plans to put the Obama administration under the microscope.

Oversight

Subcontractor, subgrantee data now available to the public

After nearly two years of delays, USASpending.gov opens a window to new levels of detail on government payments.

Defense

Defense revises rule on contractor business systems

New proposal lowers the amount the government can withhold from contractors that don’t do enough to protect against waste, fraud and abuse.

Oversight

New law would require better training in building energy management

Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act now moves to president’s desk for signature.

Features

Dividing the Pie

Contractors may find federal procurement opportunities less filling in 2011.

Oversight

Contract disputes reach 15-year high

Bid protests filed with GAO increase 16 percent in fiscal 2010 from the previous year, but most cases are resolved before the watchdog issues a decision.

Oversight

Senate oversight committee confirms comptroller general

Gene Dodaro is a 30-year veteran of GAO, and has run the agency in an acting role since March 2008.