Acquisition

IG: IRS awards risky contracts

The Internal Revenue Service tends to award cost-reimbursement contracts although some of the work is for routine maintenance, a report says.

Modernization

IRS drops private tax collectors

The tax agency found that federal employees were more cost effective than the debt contractors.

Modernization

Treasury grapples with devising systems for TARP

The department plans to release soon requests for proposals for the modernization of two programs -- its foreign intelligence network and enterprise content management system.

Modernization

Treasury adds more accountability to TARP

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner unveiled a retooled TARP and Web site that will track funds and the effect of the financial stability plan on credit markets.

People

Treasury still working on privacy policies

The Treasury Department has consolidated its privacy enforcement into a single office, but it is taking a long time to finalize policies.

People

Senators want more oversight over rescue plan

Their legislation would require private entities that receive federal funds through the Treasury Department’s financial rescue program to give the GAO access to their books and records.

Cybersecurity

Bush appointees linked with company lobbying, report says

Fifteen former Cabinet-level officials in the Bush administration are now working for companies that lobby their former agencies, according to a report from a government watchdog group.

Modernization

IRS expands electronic tax-filing program

Taxpayers with incomes that exceed $56,000 get access to a version of the IRS’ Free File program.

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.

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 Departments drop major joint radio project

Three federal departments walk away from a $10 billion project.

Digital Government

Auditor IRS must review network audit logs

The agency should also establish and regularly test security configurations on firewalls and routers to block unauthorized network traffic, TIGTA said.

Digital Government

IRS to review modernization program

The Internal Revenue Service might consider slowing future releases of its modernized database even as the system is making significant progress on the number of tax returns and refunds it processes.

Digital Government

GAO: IRS hasn't evaluated data-sharing program

The IRS plans to extend a pilot program that matches federal and state taxpayer data to spot individuals and businesses that don't pay enough taxes without knowing how effective it is, auditors report.