Congress blames itself for duplicative programs
Faced with a 423-page report from the Government Accountability Office detailing potential duplication, fragmentation and overlap in nearly every corner of government, lawmakers pointed a finger at themselves for reducing oversight of federal programs and trying to fix problems without understanding what solutions the government already offered.
One year later: Experts weigh in on GPRA modernization
Panel discussion guests include Lisa Danzig, director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Management at Housing and Urban Development; Seth Harris, deputy secretary of Labor Department; Robert Shea, principal at Grant Thornton and former associate director for Administration and Government Performance at the Office of Management and Budget.
DHS wants to ride commercial wave for interoperable radio network
After a decade of unsuccessful attempts, including the Justice Department's Integrated Wireless Network, the Homeland Security Department wants to leap forward with technology by using commercial 4G networks to connect law enforcement agencies. DHS created a joint program office to lead the effort. The approach is part of OMB's shared services initiative for agencies to work together on big programs.
OMB reports contract spending stayed flat in 2011
A new report shows agencies already cut the use of management-support contracts by 7 percent in 2011. OMB details four focus areas to continue to reduce spending on contracts for 2012.
Van Dyck joins OMB to work on mobile, .gov reform efforts
Van Dyck comes to the E-Government and IT office to work as a policy analyst after working at the FCC and most recently USAID.
White House unveils new trade initiatives, website as first steps in agency overhaul
Just days after President Barack Obama officially asked Congress for the authority to consolidate federal agencies, the administration has announced interim steps it will take to promote business and trade. They include the launch of a website focused on making it easier for businesses — particularly small ones — to work with the government.
Obama formally seeks agency-consolidation authority
President Barack Obama has officially asked lawmakers for the authority to consolidate and reorganize federal agencies as part of a first-step in merging several agencies related to business and trade. If Congress approves the legislation, Obama has said his first step would be to merge several business- and trade-related agencies into a single Cabinet-level department.
Werfel shares State of the Union for Financial Management
Danny Werfel, controller at the Office of Management and Budget, spoke to The Federal Drive with Tom Temin from the Association of Government Accountants National Leadership conference, where he'll deliver a report on federal finance.
GOP critics hit Obama's $3.8 trillion budget
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told Congress Tuesday that the president's new $3.8 trillion spending plan would impose new taxes on only 2 percent of the nation's wealthiest families and the alternative would be to seek more painful cuts in other government programs such as defense, Social Security and Medicare.
White House threatens veto of GOP's highway bill
After years of procrastination, the White House and Congress have suddenly boosted a long-term plan to improve the nation's roads, bridges and transit systems to the top of the political agenda.
Tightening budgets renew OMB's push for IT project oversight
Federal CIO Steven VanRoekel said he will send SWAT teams to fix problematic technology projects. OMB also will ramp up monthly TechStat sessions. The governmentwide IT budget request drops almost $600 million.
White House doesn't support sequestration, sees it as forcing function
The 2013 budget request reduces half of the agency's discretionary spending. All agencies could face deeper cuts if Congress and the administration don't agree on a plan for deficit reduction in the next 11 months.
Obama promotes job training at community college
President Barack Obama called on Congress Monday to create an $8 billion fund to train community college students for high-growth industries, giving a financial incentive to schools whose graduates are getting jobs.
President's 2013 budget focuses on federal performance, cuts to waste
The President's fiscal 2013 budget requests calls on agencies to "redouble" efforts to cut wasteful spending through government reorganization and cuts to improper payments.
Feds should expect more of the same in 2013 budget, expert says
Steve Bell, senior director of the Bipartisan Policy Center's Economic Policy Project, says while the President's proposed budget includes some interesting details for feds, none of them are likely to become law.
Lower requests likely in President's FY2013 budget
If the requested budgets of several agencies are any indication, federal agencies are expecting less funds in anticipation of the President's fiscal 2013 budget request, to be released Monday.
GSA office working on data-sharing tool
The General Service's Administration's Office of Governmentwide Policy is developing a new tool to make information sharing more efficient. Kathleen Turco, OGP's associate administrator, said the project is about half way to completion.
OMB hangs hopes on new tools to cut $50B in improper payments
The Treasury Department and Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board are preparing to expand the use of new software and analytical applications this year. OMB Controller Danny Werfel said agency progress is coming along, but needs help from Congress to make it easier to share information among agencies.
An expert view of federal procurement policy
George Washington University Law School professor Steve Schooner joins host Roger Waldron to talk about the top procurement issues.
February 7, 2012(Encore presentation February 14, 2012)
House approves 'civilian BRAC' bill
The House has passed a bill that would set up a commission to help decide which unused buildings the government can dispose of.




