Digital Government

White House plans to knock out tax relief extension

But if it does pass, IRS will have to update its systems, causing delays in tax return and refund processing.

People

IGs, CIOs team on IT security

Collaboration — instead of antagonism — improves outcome for FISMA compliance.

Digital Government

No break in appropriations logjam

With Bush and Congress at loggerheads, agencies face an extended budget freeze.

People

White House to demand better program performance

Clay Johnson said an executive order will make program chiefs more accountable, and OMB will create performance assessment councils at every agency.

Digital Government

White House, Congress clash over Labor-HHS bill

Bush is threatening to veto the spending bill, but he would sign the VA spending bill if Congress sends it to him separately, he said.

People

IRS expands CGI work on tax compliance

The company, working under a $10 million contract, will provide support and maintenance to the IRS’ Filing and Payment Compliance system implementation.

People

IG: IRS sees some payoff from taxpayer database

The IRS used the Customer Account Data Engine to accurately post data to 11 million taxpayer accounts but was not able to handle another 22 million returns as originally planned, according to an IG report.

Digital Government

House, Senate panel approves combined spending bills

Both appropriations bills exceed President Bush's request for fiscal 2008.

People

FAA outsourcing raises concern

Plan for greater reliance on contractors is a challenge for the National Airspace System

Digital Government

GAO and IGs find agency grant tracking is unreliable

Agencies using a one-size-fits-all audit approach have been unable to accurately track how grantees spend federal funds.That is the conclusion of the Government Accountability Office and the President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency after they reviewed samples of agency audits.The PCIE is comprised of the inspectors general of several major federal agencies.“The PCIE report presents compelling evidence that a serious problem with single audit quality continues to exist,” said Jeanette Franzel, GAO’s director of financial…

People

GAO: Infrastructure plans lack cybersecurity strategy

Of the 17 sectors, IT and communications had the strongest plans, said GAO's David Powner, and the agriculture, food and commercial sectors had the weakest.

People

Bush nominates former governor as USDA secretary

If the Senate confirms him, Ed Schafer would replace Mike Johanns, who left the department in September.

People

President names new VA secretary

Former Surgeon General James Peake's nomination goes to the Senate for approval.

People

OPM expands functions of labor agreement database

Users can now search the site using key words and create reports from available information.

People

Treasury's comptroller plans system to track bank reports

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency wants the system to make the most of electronically capturing data for application processing, support a flexible workflow, maintain critical records, and monitor and report on corporate applications and notices.

Digital Government

Justice explains C&A approach

Agencies are close to consensus on standards for security certification and accreditation

People

Program managers are also security managers

Federal program managers are reminded to protect data

People

FDA plans standards, automation for drug submissions

As part of a five-year IT plan, the agency aims to create a modernized infrastructure to better support electronic processes.

People

ODNI tests Justice security control application

The goal is to help agencies improve their IT security by revitalizing the C&A process to comply with the Federal Information Security Management Act.

People

Bush to nominate new FAA chief

Robert Sturgell is currently deputy and acting administrator at the agency.