Acquisition

Editorial: A cure for set-aside ills

To avoid overreliance on big systems integrators, the challenge is recognizing the opportunities where small businesses bring a lot to the table.

Modernization

5 tech tools with lasting appeal

An election year and a stagnant economy aren’t slowing government’s appetite for new tech.

People

TSA official defends TWIC deployment

An official of the Transportation Security Administration takes issue with a recent report that highlighted problems with the high-tech ID card program, saying the rollout of TWIC is going well.

Digital Government

What's Brewin: YouTube, MySpace and PTSD

Defense plans to rely on social media to destigmatize mental health for troops.

Modernization

Bush administration vows Gustav response will be different

Preparing before the hurricane hits marks a major divergence from Katrina plans, agency officials say.

Digital Government

OMB will require agencies to use Networx

Memo states they must justify by analysis any decision to not switch over to the new telecommunications contract.

Digital Government

Tech consultant says get serious about games

Virtual tools aren't just for entertainment anymore as agencies, businesses adopt them for training.

Ideas

British Hacker Headed for U.S. Court

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Acquisition

Army seeks information on protecting data

The service issues a request for information about data protection that will be included in future acquisitions.

Acquisition

GSA to unify acquisition systems

A request for proposals set for October will spell out the agency's requirements.

People

More than 380,000 passport cards issued

Agencies have started distributing wallet-sized identification cards designed primarily for people living close to the land borders of the United States and for passengers on cruise ships.

People

Letter: Some feds deserve commendation, not scorn

A reader points out that many federal employees regularly work long hours so their agencies can achieve their missions.

People

Letter: People who live in glass houses...

A reader notes how many times Sen. Coburn has been AWOL from the Senate when votes were recorded.

People

Letter: Private sector has higher AWOL rate

A reader shares data from a private-sector survey that found a higher rate of unscheduled absences among employees than Coburn did for feds.

People

Letter: Deal with AWOL feds and praise the rest

A reader salutes the hard-working feds who keep the government running.

People

Letter: What about AWOL politicians?

One reader asks how long it's been since Congress passed a budget on time.

People

Letter: Coburn's math doesn't add up

One reader questions Sen. Coburn's calculations and concludes that feds' absences represent a tiny fraction of the hours they work.

People

Letter: Coburn's report barely scratches the surface

A reader says federal employees need meaningful measures of workforce productivity.

People

Letter: Senator's report is full of sound and fury

A reader says Sen. Tom Coburn should compare feds' productivity to the amount of time elected officials spend on activities that don't serve the public.