Top 8 stories of the week
1. GSA could be trying to kill rival agency contracts
Summary: The General Services Administration is trying to revoke another agency's ability to manage governmentwide contracts.
Outlook: Agencies with similar authority fear they might be next on GSA's hit list.
2. 2010 Federal 100
Summary: Federal Computer Week salutes 100 of the best federal and contractor employees.
Outlook: Every day, people working at or for agencies excel at their work. Once a year, FCW honors them.
3. Oops! GSA official overstates cloud savings.
Summary: The head of GSA's cloud computing initiatives reported savings that were 500 times the real figure.
Outlook: The savings associated with cloud computing are not always easily quantifiable, so expect more debate about the value — but mostly by much smaller margins of error.
4. Bill would vaccinate Tricare against reform complications
Summary: The House unanimously passed legislation to ensure that the military health insurance program meets the coverage requirements of the health care reform package. The Senate is considering a similar measure.
Outlook: Passage is likely. As of April 7, the Finance Committee was reviewing the legislation.
5. GSA now on the fast track, top exec says
Summary: Newly confirmed GSA Administrator Martha Johnson hits the public circuit.
Outlook: Johnson's emphasis on telework and environmentally conscious policies reflects the changing times. Is she ahead of the curve, or is the time now ripe for government to embrace those ideas?
6. DHS to hire 170 IT employees during next 18 months
Summary: The agency's plan would essentially double its IT workforce.
Outlook: More and more people are looking for work, but DHS' security requirements could make the jobs tough to fill.
7. DFAS employees can be suspended, fired over credit scores
Summary: Lawmakers scolded the Defense Finance and Accounting Service for using personal credit scores as a sole reason for disciplinary action.
Outlook: After FCW ran the story, DFAS announced that it was ending the practice.
8. Think you want an iPad? Read this first!
Summary: Apple's iPad has finally hit the stores. But for federal employees, the reviews are mixed.
Outlook: The device will sell well among consumers, but it might not catch on at work because of the lack of several key features.
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