Legislative

House panel proposes steep funding cuts for agencies

The House Appropriations Committee has mapped out its spending blueprint, including proposing double-digit cuts for some federal agencies.

Government reorganization taking first steps

The White House's plan to substantially reorganize the federal government is in its earliest stage, and still needs Congressional approval.

Bill would require agencies to designate chief operating officers

The Senate has passed legislation that would require federal agencies to set measurable performance goals and improve coordination to avoid duplication.

Senators seek Obama's advice, consent on cybersecurity legislation

The leaders of several Senate committees want President Barack Obama to weigh in on details of proposed cybersecurity legislation as they push to reconcile various measures.

Federal future cloudy for Microsoft Word

Agencies are wondering how a court's ruling banning Microsoft from selling Word will affect their procurement plans.

New law helps NIST hire experts

NIST says the Competes Act is helping the agency hire experts for short-term jobs, the GAO says.

Accenture shareholders give thumbs up to Ireland move

The shareholders of Accenture Ltd. have approved a proposal by the company’s board made earlier this year to shift the company’s place of incorporation from Bermuda to Ireland.

Hathaway’s departure renews worries about cyber-czar vacancy

Melissa Hathaway's resignation as the Obama administration’s acting senior director for cyberspace has caused scrutiny about how the Obama administration is accomplishing its extensive cybersecurity agenda.

Contractor award fees paid inconsistently, GAO says

Federal agencies are not being consistent in how they distribute contractor award fees, according to a senior GAO official.

Don't make E-verify retroactive, industry group says

The Professional Services Council opposes Senate legislation would require federal contractors to use the E-Verify system for new and existing employees.

Vets could get edge on no-bid contracts at VA

A new bill would require the Veterans Affairs Department to give priority to veteran-owned small businesses when outsourcing work with no competition.

GAO: Costs surge on Deepwater project

The Coast Guard continues to face management problems with Deepwater and with its computer modernization program, GAO says.

House passes technology, science bills

The House has approved bills designed to strengthen federal agencies' cooperation on international science and technology research and on domestic science education.

GAO: Contractor performance reviews fall short

Federal agencies conducted only 31 percent of the required performance reviews on contracts in 2007, the GAO found in a new report.

Senate panel approves IT oversight bill

A Senate panel has approved legislation to require federal agencies to set up Web sites to track IT projects and create 'tiger teams' for troubled projects.

House bill would require competition on TSA biometric contract

The pending House bill would make the TSA put up for competitive bid a longstanding, sole-provider contract for processing fingerprints for backgrounds checks on aviation workers.

Senate bill would suspend competitive sourcing

Federal agencies would be encouraged to bring previously contracted work in-house under a new bill introduced by Sen. Barbara Mikulski.