Tuesday federal headlines – May 12, 2015

The Federal Headlines is a daily compilation of the stories you hear discussed on the Federal Drive and In Depth radio shows each day. Our headlines are updated twice per day — once in the morning and once in the afternoon — with the latest news affecting federal employees and contractors.

• A 20 percent cut would hit the Defense Department’s budget and personnel over five years. The House votes on the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act later this week. It means DoD would have to save $10 billion over five years and finish all cuts by fiscal 2019. The Federal Times reports DoD thought it save $10 billion by cutting 20 percent of its headquarters workforce. But the Pentagon found just five point $3 billion in savings. (Federal Time)
• The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency wants ideas to build stronger telescopes. The agency wants to create a 100-times zoom lens to more clearly see objects in space. Satellites in space take clear images of Earth. But DARPA said it’s looking for a solution to the opposite challenge — looking at objects in space from Earth. A stronger zoom lens would let the Defense agency keep an eye on military, civilian and commercial satellites orbiting the Earth. DARPA said that would help in coordinating repairs. Vendors have until July 3 to submit their ideas. (DARPA)
• A former CIA officer wa sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for leaking classified information. Jeffrey Sterling told a New York Times reporter 12 years ago about covert operations related to Iran’s nuclear program. The prosecutor said Sterling disclosed that information for his own “vindictive purposes” and “malicious reasons.” Sterling worked for the CIA from 1993 to 2002. The Justice Department said Sterling tried to take civil action against the agency. But it was unsuccessful, and he leaked the classified information in retaliation. (Justice Department)
• The Environmental Protection Agency launched a new website with information on environmental quality and public health. The Community Resources site combines data from three existing but separate resources. Those are the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network, National Resource Network and EPA Community health site. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said it was often challenging for officials to navigate multiple information sources. The Communities site presents the information from the three sites in one place. (EPA)
• It may be in bankruptcy, but Global Computer Enterprises’ paid the government $9 million to settle a false claims act. GCE applied for Chapter 11 last year after charging the Labor Department and General Services Administration $23 million to get their own data back out of GCE’s cloud. The false claims act concerns allegations that the company used employees who were barred from federal contracting work because of their immigration status. Owner Raed Muslimani admitted no wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement. He’s operating another company called Serendipity Now, doing business as Data Analytics. It has several federal contracts. (Federal News Radio)
• Some people travel far to avoid bad weather. The Marine Corps heads right to it. At least 200 Marines, anyhow. They’ll deploy to Honduras next month to help out with that country’s approaching hurricane season. Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren said the Marines will help local authorities deal with disaster response. They’ll also help with local construction missions. The Marines will aid in the construction and rehabilitation of roads and schools. Meantime, the Pentagon gave a name to the military contingent helping Nepal in the aftermath of a massive earthquake. It’s called Sahayogi Haat, Negali for helping hand. (DoD)
• Public safety employees might be able withdraw early from their Thrift Savings Plan, without penalty. The House is planning to vote on a bill today from Rep. David Reichert (R-Wash.). A bill would let those employees take out money without penalty, after they retire at age 50 or later. Under current law, federal employees who withdraw before age 59 1/2 face a 10 percent penalty. The bill applies to law enforcement officers, firefighters and air traffic controllers. They often retire earlier than other federal employees. (Congress)

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