People

Panel approves bills on IT, federal employees and telework

A Senate committee has approved legislation that would affect the federal workforce and information technology as this year's session draws to a close.

People

Groups urge next president to improve federal operations

Several organizations have recommended that the next administration make government more effective by attracting talented workers, developing strong leaders and engaging employees.

People

Get a Life!: Perils of googling applicants

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People

GAO: Space-based Infrared system may miss schedule

Officials have set an aggressive, risky schedule that could ultimately delay the first launch of a military surveillance system, GAO said.

People

New office will manage schedules contracts

GSA's new Multiple Award Schedule Program Office will align policies and coordinate improvements.

People

Intell community gets new IT policies

A directive issued by the Director of National Intelligence implements information technology policy for the intelligence community that focuses on information sharing, collaboration and mission.

People

OMB tells agencies to update TIC plans

Agencies must update their plans for reducing their external Internet connections to include the pending modification to the Networx contract to comply with the TIC program.

People

Bush signs bill to fund government

The measure fully funds two departments and provides continuing resolution money for other agencies.

People

Letter: Application of contract types doesn't replace knowledge

This reader calls for risk-based contracting, stating "Fixed-price contracts are not a solution to poor cost understanding and control."

People

Letter: Where there is high risk, fixed-price contracts don't fit

A reader doesn't agree with McCain fixed-price contract solution. Then states the result would be that "the contractors have no option but to bid high to cover their risk or to no bid."

People

OPM updates guidance for HR LOB

Agencies get more details on core functions and best practices under the Human Resources Line of Business initiative.

People

DOD authorization bill reinforces competition, transparency, oversight

The bill, now heading to the White House, also calls for a Contingency Contracting Corps to ensure efficiency in urgent contracting.

People

IG to audit contractor award fees at DHS

The DHS inspector general says he will review the department's award fees to contractors and acquisition data management in fiscal 2009.

People

Measure would upgrade IT, oversight at DHS

New authorizing legislation for the Homeland Security Department would give more power to the CIO there and require more contract oversight.

People

Letter: Gov't should hold contractors responsible

A reader finds poor government oversight is an issue "The type of contract (pricing arrangement) isn't the problem. Having enough competent government employees to oversee the contractors is."

People

Letter: Readers weigh in on ending cost-plus contracting

Ending cost-plus contracting is not a silver bullet to contracting woes, but trained staff members can still help.

People

Letter: McCain off-base about cost-plus contracts

A reader writes that what can help is to "define the requirement and pay attention to the contractor's performance."

People

The Lectern: The 'core guiding principles' of the FAR

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People

Welles: Fiscal year follies

The start of a new fiscal year offers an opportunity for dialogue about what lies ahead.

People

Kelman: How to sustain reforms

Reforms are most sustainable if they change institutions or policy-making, according to a new book.