This week, host Larry Allen talks with Steve Kempf of GSA\'s FAS. Sept. 7, 2010 (Encore Presentation)
Amtower interviews GovLoop founder and president Steve Ressler. Sept. 6 and 13, 2010
Amtower interviews David Powell, COO of the Federal Business Council. Aug. 30, 2010
According to lawmaker Lin Yu fang, Taiwan plans to deploy its own cruise missiles by the end of this year. Lin said Taiwan started producing the new missiles after acquiring key components needed for assembly. The new missiles have a range of 800 kilometers, capable of reaching Shanghai, Hong Kong and coastal cities in between. In 2008, Taiwan ordered production of 300 missiles as a partial counter to 1,300 ballistic missiles China placed opposite Taiwan\'s coastline. Neither country has a proven, reliable defense against each other\'s missiles. The Chinese ballistic missiles can saturate Taiwan\'s limited air defense capability, while Taiwan\'s cruise missiles can penetrate China\'s air defense systems.
After 19 years, India has once again leased a nuclear-powered attack submarine from Russia. The Nerpa, which NATO classifies as an Akula II attack submarine, departed Russian waters on August 20th bound for India. Once the boat arrives, it will be rechristened INS Chakra and begin sea trials. The ten year lease provides time for India to exploit the Akula II for crew training and guidance in constructing its own nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. A squadron of three is planned. The Akula II - and India\'s conventionally powered submarines -- can launch torpedoes and cruise missiles. India has purchased some of the most advanced underwater-launched cruise missiles in existence.
The FCC, GSA and the Smithsonian were among the best agencies to work for in the latest survey and officials point to a few specific reasons for their success. Agencies must make their employees feel like they are part of the answer to meeting their mission, agency officials say.
Jason Miller and Mark Amtower count down the top three most important Federal news stories of the week.
The General Services Administration is suspending new companies from offering office supplies through Schedule 75 for two years.
When NASA scientists were stymied last year in trying to devise a formula for predicting solar flares, they took an unusual approach: They posted their problem online, and offered a prize to anyone who could solve it. One requirement: the person with the winning solution would have to fork over exclusive rights to the idea - in exchange for a $30,000 prize. 579 people considered the challenge, while only five submitted entries. The winner was a retired radio frequency engineer from New Hampshire who offered an algorithm that may be a first step in helping NASA predict when solar particles might endanger astronauts or spacecraft. Top officials within the General Services Administration and the Office of Management and Budget have called the contest the beginning of a huge movement. Now, the website challenge-dot-gov allows agencies to post challenges, create blogs and discussions, and reward winners with an array of incentives.
The Air Force Services Agency wants to acquire Golf Enterprise Solution software. We learn how and why from Transformation Director Elinor Gonzales.
Army moves on plan to build next combat vehicle, Air Force Tees Up Golf Course Software
GSA has issued per diem rates for lodging for next year. Most hotels in major cities saw a decrease, including $15 for Washington, $71 in New York City and $45 in Chicago. GSA did not change the rates for meals and other incidentals.
Woody Talcove, CEO of government business for LexisNexis, details the benefits of using public records to meet your agency\'s mission.
Troops\' pay unaffected by Operation New Dawn