People

Obama CTO may lack sufficient influence

Without policy-making and budget authority, the new chief technology officer position may not be as effective as hoped, former federal executives said.

Digital Government

Auditors: IRS slow to fix security weaknesses

TIGTA and GAO report that the tax agency continues to put confidentiality and access to an increasing volume of taxpayer data at risk.

People

OMB nominee Orszag said he will use IT to improve performance

President-elect Barack Obama’s OMB director would also strengthen information technology use to deliver services and make contracting and acquisition more efficient.

Digital Government

Agencies reduce some payment errors; but overall rate rises

Although some improper payments have been cut, the overall percentage has risen as the government measures more programs, a report by OMB says.

People

Obama CTO may lack policy authority

One CTO candidate reportedly turned down the job because it would not include the power to set policy, according to published accounts.

Digital Government

Voinovich to retire in 2010

Ohio senator and federal workforce reformer decides against seeking another term.

Digital Government

OMB names four agencies as security LOB centers

The Information Systems Security Line of Business expands to offer FISMA certification and accreditation services across the government.

People

Power positions: Federal positions on the front lines

A small number of politically appointed agency executives will set and enforce President-elect Barack Obama's policy and management initiatives.

People

CPO pick signals emphasis on accountability

President-elect Barack Obama’s creation of a chief performance officer probably in the White House means he’s serious about pushing agencies to perform better, be accountable and transparent, and deliver significant results, say experts in federal management.

People

A high-tech answer to health care frare fraud

Data analysis aids in finding abuses of Medicare’s rapid payment system.

People

New marching orders

As a new president takes the Oval Office, federal agencies prepare for policy and priority shifts.

People

Final Bush-era cards show more green

The last President’s Management Agenda score card for the Bush administration showed more instances of success, as agencies have steadily achieved results in several performance categories.

People

Durable medical equipment errors vary

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Digital Government

More agencies get high marks on latest PMA scorecard

OMB's latest scores show agencies became more accountable through the Bush administration.

People

Breaking News: Obama names first CPO

Nancy Killefer was chosen today to be the nation's first chief performance officer, a job designed to bring more accountability to government agencies.

Digital Government

Panel: IG recommendations could have saved $26 billion

Democratic staff members of the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee say agencies did not implement 13,000 suggestions of inspectors general during the Bush adminsitration.

Cybersecurity

CIO Council panel details functions

The committee will focus on helping agencies implement the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative.

Digital Government

Treasury must finalize privacy policies, auditors say

The recently established privacy office consolidates data protection functions and should help the agency fulfill its requirements.

Cybersecurity

GAO: DOD needs to improve security clearance timeliness, quality

The Defense Department continues to reduce the number of days required to process security clearances, but it probably won’t meet the 60-day goal next year.

People

Transition Watch: Human resources officers face familiar, new challenges

In addition to recruiting and retaining talented employees, agency chief human capital officers must integrate and manage a blended workforce and bolster federal leadership.