GSA Acting Admin. Heads to the Hill – DorobekINSIDER’s 7 stories

On GovLoop Insights’ DorobekINSIDER:

• Let’s be honest, right now the federal government is being pummeled by scandals. So how does government improve its reputation and get back in the public’s good graces? We get insights from the Partnership for Public Service.

The SEVEN stories that impact your life

1. A Senate committee on Tuesday questioned Daniel M. Tangherlini, President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead the General Services Administration, about revelations that senior management at the GSA had improperly intervened in contract negotiations with Oracle Corp., Deloitte Consulting LLP, and Carahsoft Technology Corp. reports the Wall Street Journal. Mr. Tangherlini, who took his post after many of the alleged actions occurred, said GSA officials had already taken action. Jane Norris, a spokeswoman for Deloitte, told CIO Journal that the firm’s contract negotiations were appropriate. “Our rates, based on the new contact, were lower the original rate. They were substantially lower.”
2. Leaders on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are escalating the battle over the investigation into the IRS tea party-targeting scandal with new transcripts that suggest Cincinnati agents first flagged tea party groups on their own, reports Politico.
3. A Senate panel is examining federal security-clearance processes, continuing a brief round of hearings this week in response to contractor Edward Snowden leaking information about the nation’s sweeping electronic-surveillance program, reports the Washington Post.
4. President Barack Obama’s nominee for chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Tom Wheeler, was grilled on his views of competition and consumer protection before a Senate Committee, reports Federal News Radio. Broadcasting and Cable reports, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said a bias toward regulating political speech would be a deal-killer for Wheeler. He demanded a written answer about Wheeler’s views on the Disclose Act. But Mashable reports, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) told Wheeler he would probably be confirmed. Rockfeller had urged the administration to nominate commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel for the chairmanship. Wheeler is a venture capitalist who has worked for two telecommunications trade associations.
5. The Government Accountability Office auditors will release a report today saying there’s no guarantee the health care exchanges in Obamacare will be operating properly on Day One — Oct. 1, reports Federal News Radio. The GAO does see positive signs. It notes the administration had spent $400 million as of March to set up the software infrastructure required to tie together the insurance industry, state and federal government, and millions of people. The federal government had to set up the markets in 34 states. Auditors say that workload was unforseen in the Affordable Care Act.
6. The controversy over National Security Agency surveillance programs may revive a little-known advisory group. The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board meets behind closed doors today for the first time since the leak. President Barack Obama has asked it to examine the NSA spy programs, reports Federal News Radio. The board began in 2004 as part of the executive branch. Congress made it independent four years later, but it’s had trouble finding its rhythm. Chairman David Medine was confirmed in May after administrative delays and resistance from some lawmakers.
7. And on GovLoop: Here is a staggering stat: 130 millions Americans own a smartphone, including roughly 1 out of 2 adults. That’s a technology that wasn’t even around 5 years ago. So how can government leverage this technology to connect, engage and empower government employees and the general public? Tune in to find out with the DorobekINISDER LIVE panel on June 26th at noon ET. Register for the free online webinar now.

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