Federal Daily - March 7, 2008
GAO: BRAC Savings for DLA Efforts Overstated
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis shows that Base Closure and Realignment Commission
(BRAC) long-term savings estimates for two recommended initiatives to improve DoD’s logistics
systems overstate those savings by $3.4 billion. GAO’s report, released March 5, shows that the
projected savings over 20 years are expected to be $1.4 billion, rather than the $4.8 billion estimated
by BRAC. GAO said the net cost of the effort to DoD would be about $222 million because of increased
estimated costs, decreased savings, and the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) improper inclusion
of almost $243 million in expected savings. The report noted that while some variances are to be expected,
the ones involved in the DLA projects are huge. Factors which contributed to the poor estimates include
the use of inaccurate or outdated data, misinterpretation of terms, and changes in operational requirements
that occurred during the decision-making process, the report said. To see more, go to: www.gao.gov/highlights/d08315high.pdf.
:: Back to Top ::
Domenici Introduces Bill to Expand National Guard at Borders
Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., on March 5 introduced legislation to broaden the overall security role
of the National Guard in protecting the nation’s borders. Mainly, the bill would extend the life
of Operation Jump Start, a 2006 effort launched by President Bush to place 6,000 guardsmen along the
entire Southwest border in support of the Border Patrol. The Domenici bill is an attempt to stop the
phasing out of the program this year. The measure would authorize the operation at its 2006 level,
as well as expand the authority of state governors to use their state’s guard for a wider range
of border control activities. These would include constructing roads, fences and vehicle barriers;
conducting search and rescue missions; gathering intelligence and repairing related infrastructure. “The
National Guard has proven to be a good partner in working with the Homeland Security Department to
secure the border,” Domenici said. “They have been an invaluable asset in securing the
border, and I believe they should be able to continue their work.” To see more, go to: http://domenici.senate.gov/news/record.cfm?id=294232.
:: Back to Top ::
Lawmaker to Offer FERS Sick Leave Compensation Bill
Rep. James Moran, D-Va., will introduce a bill to reimburse federal employees who retire under the
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) for unused sick leave. Moran’s bill aims to lure FERS-covered
employees—who are not currently compensated for unused sick leave at retirement—to cash
it in rather than abuse it toward the end of their careers. Moran’s office told FEND the
legislator will announce details of his bill March 10 at the Federal Managers Association’s convention
in Arlington, Va. See Moran’s Web site at http://moran.house.gov/.
:: Back to Top ::
|
