Author Archive

Courtney Bublé

Courtney Bublé
Courtney Bublé is a staff correspondent who covers the federal government with a focus on oversight, management, contracting and regulations. In 2022, she won the American Society of Business Publication Editors' Young Leaders Scholarship and was selected for the Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellowship for 2022-2023. Before joining Government Executive in July 2019, she worked for NBC News. Courtney graduated from The George Washington University in 2018.
Policy

Over-Classification Undermines Democracy, US Intelligence Director Says

The investigations into handling of sensitive documents by former presidents and vice presidents have brought problems with the classification system back into the spotlight. 

Policy

The Defense Department Finally Has a Permanent Watchdog

“I shall continue to be true to the principle of nonpartisanship that is a hallmark of the IG system,” Robert Storch said during his confirmation hearing.

Business

What Contractors Think of the Proposed Rule on Climate Reporting  

The proposed rule is part of the Biden administration’s larger environmental agenda, but it comes with costs for contractors. 

Threats

After Jan. 6 Texts Were Wiped, DOD IG Is Scrutinizing Pentagon Records Management

A review begun last August has expanded "based on concerns identified during the audit," acting DOD inspector general tells Congress.

Policy

Ukraine Aid Oversight Hindered by Pentagon Record-Keeping, Watchdog Says

The IG report follows congressional concerns about oversight and efforts to coordinate with State and USAID.

Policy

Budding Spies Might Not Get Weeded Out for Past Drug Use

Activists say this would be a practical step to help ensure all the best candidates are getting considered for intelligence jobs. 

Threats

Trump's DHS Manipulated Report on Russian Election Interference, Watchdog Says

A 2020 report to state and local governments was delayed and altered, a new IG report finds.

Policy

Judge Suspends White House's Vaccine Mandate for Contractors

Following last week's preliminary injunction for three states, the temporary move throws Biden's entire executive order into question.

Policy

As Pentagon Fails 4th Audit, Officials Have ‘No Doubt’ It Will Eventually Pass 

The inspector general and independent public accounting firms conducted this year's audit of DoD's $3.2 trillion in assets and $3 trillion in liabilities.

Threats

Federal Contractors Must Show Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination by Dec. 8

Companies doing business with the federal government must name a person to coordinate implementation and compliance with the vaccine mandate for covered employees.  

Business

Tell Us Why Small Businesses Can't Get Contracts, Pentagon Asks

The department has met its goals in that area, but is looking to do even better. 

Policy

‘All the Signs Have Been There’ Predicting Afghan Security Force Collapse, IG Says

For more than a decade, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has been warning about “ghost soldiers” and corruption to anyone willing to pay attention.

Policy

VA Mandates Vaccines for Health Care Workers

“It’s the best way to keep veterans safe, especially as the Delta variant spreads across the country,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

Policy

DHS Cancels Two Border Wall Contracts

These are the first cancellations under DHS's month-old plan for unobligated border wall funds. 

Policy

Riots Shine Light on ‘Infamously Opaque’ Capitol Police

The 193-year old agency has a large budget and workforce, but lacks transparency mechanisms.

Ideas

Senate Joins House in Overriding Trump’s NDAA Veto

Congress’ rejection of the veto—the first in Trump’s presidency—comes during his final days in office.

Policy

House Votes to Override Trump’s Defense Authorization Veto

On Tuesday, the Senate could overturn a veto for the first time in Trump's presidency.

Ideas

Trump Signs Omnibus and COVID Relief Bill, Averting a Shutdown

After days of bluster and veto threats, the president signed the $1.4 trillion bill into law.