Digital Government

Veto threat lingers for defense bill

The Defense Authorization bill is almost ready for the White House, but detainee provisions could trigger a veto.

Acquisition

Lawmakers block contractor disclosure of political support

The Obama administration considered requiring political contribution information in contract bids, a proposal that raised a lot of concern in Congress and industry.

Digital Government

Retirement—is it time to run for the hills?

For years, those who watch the federal government have predicted that a “retirement tsunami” would hit the federal workplace when the Baby Boomers started to reach retirement age. Don't look now, but ...

Digital Government

What does sequestration really mean for DOD?

The super committee's failure to identify $1.2 trillion in budget cuts was expected to trigger a nightmare for DOD, but is it happening?

Digital Government

Defense bill passes after lengthy debate

While measures pertaining to military detention of suspected terrorists dominated the debate, the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act will also affect defense IT.

Digital Government

Defense Authorization nears passage

Industry groups concerned about some provisions in the DOD's authorizing legislation.

Digital Government

Military detainment powers dominate Congressional debate

Debate over a controversial measure that allows the military to detain terror suspects around the world, even American citizens on U.S. soil, overshadows other aspects of the 2012 Defense authorization bill.

Digital Government

Turning the tables on Congress

Take note: One publication has taken aim at a new group of federal “employees”—members of Congress.

Acquisition

Next OFPP chief's priorities: Building, buying, rebalancing

Government buying needs the expertise of acquisition workers, official says.

Acquisition

How much discretion in punishing contractors should agencies have?

Some lawmakers want to make suspension or debarment of misbehaving contractors mandatory, but the outgoing OFPP head disagrees with the strategy.

Digital Government

House Republicans introduce WhipCast mobile app with a splash

House Republican Whip Kevin McCarthy apparently took some tips from Hollywood in debuting the splashy new GOP WhipCast mobile application.

People

E-gov on the chopping block

The White House is appealing to Congress to restore funds for Data.gov, Challenge.gov, Federal IT Dashboard and other high-profile transparency initiatives.

Acquisition

Senate clamps down on contractors in sensitive jobs

An appropriations bill would require contracts to leave contractors out of work closely tied to inherently governmental functions.

Digital Government

Cutting back on vets

Veterans Day might be a good time for budget-cutting lawmakers to note the significant presence of vets in the federal workforce.

Modernization

Counterfeit electronics in supply chain put contractors on the hook

Counterfeit parts, mostly made in China, have found their way into the U.S. military's supply chain, and now members of the Senate Armed Services Committee want to hold contractors more accountable.

Digital Government

Government shutdown threat looms: Does it matter?

The government is facing another shutdown risk if Congress cannot pass measures to keep it funded beyond the Nov. 18 deadline. Has Congress cried "wolf" too many times?

Acquisition

Contractor tax repeal advances

The House approves a repeal of the 3 percent withholding tax on contractors. Next up: a Senate vote.

Digital Government

DOD has chance to dodge 'doomsday' budget scenario, group says

Spurred by congressional action and military drawdowns in Iraq and Afghanistan, Defense Department cuts are accelerating and will have significant impact on contractors, according to the TechAmerica Foundation.

Digital Government

Slash congressional salaries!

Federal Daily readers love to rant that members of Congress should start with cuts to their own salary before touching agency budgets, and one Virginia representative has a plan related to that sentiment.

People

Feds could see extended pay freeze in new proposals

Lawmakers propose measures that would affect federal pay to save US from "fiscal disaster."