Oversight

Union blasts scaled-down Defense insourcing plan

AFGE tells the House Budget Committee that insourcing should be expanded, while contracting group calls for a halt to policy.

Defense

Senate panel moves building security bill

Committee also passes legislation to beef up government performance.

Defense

High-ranking regional Defense audit official leaves agency

One-line memorandum attributes departure to investigations at DCAA, but does not elaborate.

Oversight

Senators unveil bill to shape up agency performance

Measure similar to one the House passed in June would require agencies to name officials to improve inefficiency and cut redundant programs.

Oversight

Congress restores small business contracting parity

President Obama signs legislation to end preference of HUBZone firms over other small businesses.

Oversight

Presidential transitions bill sails through Senate

Measure encourages nominees and the current administration to do more advance planning.

Oversight

Lawmakers urge Obama to oust Afghan reconstruction IG

Four senators take rare step in calling for watchdog’s removal, citing investigative failures.

Oversight

Budget committee approves OMB nominee, but senator blocks confirmation

Panel greenlights Jack Lew, but Sen. Mary Landrieu vows to hold up the nomination until offshore drilling ban is lifted.

Defense

Concern grows over Defense-to-State transition in Iraq

Poor coordination and a lack of expertise put the changeover at risk of waste and overreliance on contractors, commissioners say.

Oversight

Republican argues Democrats have abdicated government oversight functions

Report from ranking member of House panel finds hearings and requests for information are down since Obama took office.

Oversight

Oversight committee OKs management and budget pick

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously backs Jack Lew, who has promised an exhaustive review of agency operations.

Defense

Senate bill aims to reform Federal Protective Service

Bipartisan legislation would increase staffing and establish training requirements for armed guards.

Defense

Panelists call for reversal of insourcing policy

Industry officials, analysts argue that government pays more when work is performed in-house.

Defense

Pentagon watchdog defends office’s work

Some of the recommendations in a highly critical Senate report are off-base, Defense IG says.

Oversight

OMB nominee vows exhaustive review of agencies

In afternoon confirmation hearing, Jack Lew says review will be one of his first actions if confirmed as budget chief.

Oversight

House passes bill to debar crooked contractors

Legislation would ban Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violators from doing business with the government.

Oversight

Task force calls for reforms to ease small business contracting concerns

Group wants changes in set-asides, bundling and workforce training.

News

President reminds senior executives performance is king

In a message to top leaders, Obama underscores the importance of government reform efforts.

Oversight

Lawmakers rap Amtrak for IG dismissal

Report by House and Senate Republicans finds agency broke the law by failing to first notify Congress.

Defense

Commanders urged to think local in Afghan contracting

Memo indicates that contracts could be going to unscrupulous firms and says officials must do a better job of following the money.