Policy


pen and check

Improper payments by agencies on the decline

OMB touts $47 billion in savings since 2009, approaching Obama’s goal of $50 billion by the end of fiscal 2012.

Joe Jordan

OFPP wants to edit cost accounting standards exemptions

Proposed rule change would replace detailed list with general guidelines.

budget cutrs portion

A graphic look at budget cuts

Take a look at how sequestration will affect the Defense Department and other agencies.

pen and contract

Experts applaud DOD Better Buying plan

The Defense Department is generally on the right track with its Better Buying Power initiative, experts say. Some refinements, however, could improve it.

Daniel Akaka

Whistleblower protection improvement passes Congress

Senator who led the charge for legislation to expand protections for employees who report waste, fraud and abuse sees it pass on the eve of his retirement.

Frank Kendall

DOD advances Better Buying Power effort

Officials want DOD's workforce to move past solutions that just fulfill requirements, in favor of creativity and leadership.

image of handheld DAGR device

Air Force rapped for inappropriate contract costs

The Air Force inapporpriately authorized more than $100 million in payments for a handheld device contract, IG finds.

Jessica Rosenworcel FCC

Could agencies sell frequencies for cash?

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel floats a novel idea for mitigating the impact of budget cuts.

NPOESS weather satellite

Satellites on borrowed time

The fleet of satellites that enable accurate weather forecasting is aging, and the program intended to replace them is both behind schedule and over-budget. As a result, a lengthy gap without the satellites' data is looking more likely.

Frank Kendall

DOD's Kendall pushes data for better buying

Experts generally applaud effort to improve defense acquisitions, with a cautionary note.

John Kamensky

NAPA plans advice for the president on federal initiatives

Recommendations for the president on large-scale projects and performance improvement are set for release and discussion at a public event.

US Capitol

Retroactive repeal of sequestration possible -- but risky

The effects of sequestration could be mitigated if the president and Congress continue trying to repeal it next year, but it would be a gamble, analysis suggests.