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Intra-Pentagon dispute continues over risk-based approach to agency priorities.
The Pentagon inspector general's recent negative report on the revamped auditing priorities of the Defense Contract Audit Agency has prompted a fresh rebuttal from a senior Defense official familiar with DCAA.
Last month, the IG reported that DCAA's two-year-old effort to review fewer contracts and focus on high-dollar returns had missed an opportunity to save as much as $250 million a year, in part because the Office of Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy had not performed a "business case analysis" to support the decision to alter DCAA's priorities in choosing contracts to review.
On Thursday, a key official, speaking to Government Executive on condition of anonymity, argued that the IG's "analysis is fundamentally flawed" and denied the charge that DCAA's new approach "left money on the table."
Back in fiscal 2010, when DCAA was planning the shift to focus on higher-threshold contracts for audit, the agency had "lots more time-sensitive work than we did workforce to accomplish it," the official said.
In reassigning 200 auditors to areas viewed as having potential for the highest return on investment, DCAA considered factors beyond money, the official said. For instance, the agency took into account the completion of pre-award audits,without which some contractors "can't even get in the game," the official said. DCAA also factored in completion of incurred cost audits needed to close contracts, without which "the acquisition process comes to a screaming halt." Contracts in wartime theaters are high-risk and high-cost, the official said, but audits of them are needed to show "the government is still in the game with its deterrent effect" on waste and abuse.
The official said the savings DCAA achieved through its reassignments of employee hours to high-risk contracts were higher in fiscal 2012 than the previous year, and, contrary to the IG's conclusions, the efficiency of the "move of auditor resources to the right spots has proven out." DCAA's backlog of pending audits, the official added, ought to come down now that the agency has been given additional people and resources. Similar objections raised earlier by DCAA were included in the IG report in the form of a July 2012 letter from DCAA Deputy Director Anita Bales.
The IG's staff said the responses by DCAA and other bodies "do not directly address the loss experienced by the department and taxpayer," though the IG agreed in principle with the focus on high-dollar contracts for review. However, the report added, "a well-developed business case analysis would have determined the most appropriate audit area(s) to target for redirected work."


text:
- Who We Are
- What's ON
- The Waterfront
- Learning
- Support Us
What's On Calendar
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Integrating Innovation: Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) at Enwave Theatre
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
6:00pm 9:30pm
Join the Emerging Green Builders and CaGBC-Greater Toronto Chapter Members for an evening presentation and up-close look at "third-generation" renewable technology: Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) systems.
Event run: March 28, 2012
Poetry NOW: 4th annual Battle of the Bards
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
7:30pm 9:30pm
1 stage. 20 poets. 1 winner.
Event run: March 28, 2012
The Wooster Group - The Wooster Group's Version of Tennessee Williams' Vieux Carré
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Canadian premiere. One of Williams' last, elegiac plays boldly re-imagined by the most influential and experimental theatre company in the past 30 years.
Event run: March 28–31, 2012
For details inquire at the Info Desk or call 416-973-4000.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Good To See You Back Again, NBI
Contrary to what some may believe, you can never have enough bloggers out there. The blogosphere is in a constant state of flux as new blogs replace those that have gone silent, and in MMOs especially an infusion of new blood is always welcome.
Why "MMO's especially"? Because it seems that MMO blogs are on a downward spiral, with some long standing blogs going silent or taking extended leaves of absence. We need new voices, new perspectives to step in and be heard.
Yes, it can be hard at times when you check your blog and see a big fat zero next to comments. I'm not going to lie and say that it never bothered me, because it did, even when I knew that practically nobody was aware of this new blog of ours. And when the search term that most frequently brings someone to your site is "retardin desensitizing cream", it can be pretty damn depressing.* Blogging is definitely not for those who crave attention. However, blogging is for people who like to write, have an opinion, and want to spend some time putting that opinion out there.
This is not the immediacy of Twitter. Neither is it as voyeuristic as Facebook or LinkedIn or G+. But blogging does provide a creative outlet to those who want it, and the best part is that your opinions can't be shouted down on your own blog.
And when you get that first real comment, the feeling is priceless.
*I'm sure that just by mentioning this name we'll get yet another wave of searches heading our way. That's what I get for my one post way back in 2010 (or so) about the subset of Ret Spec Paladins derisively called Retardins.
4 comments:
I whole heartedly agree! Blogging has to be something you do for yourself or you will only just get depressed by it if you don't get the readership you're looking for.ReplyDeleteReplies
I don't think we'd have lasted this long if craving attention was our reason for blogging. At the same time, I think I'd be in a serious state of denial if I thought that there wasn't some ego involved, because you have to consider your words worth reading if you're exposing yourself in public like this.
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2013 at 6:57:00 AM EDT
I often wonder how long I'd continue blogging if I turned off comments. Everyone has different reasons for blogging and I'm pretty sure mine is just to talk to others who love playing WoW.ReplyDelete
Talk about depressing my top search is "raquel welch nude." Past indiscretions haunt me.
And I love finding new blogs they tend to spur my enthusiasm when it starts to wane.Replies
Well, at least you've got something vaguely interesting in "raquel welch nude"; I'd take that over my search term!Delete
Your blog is ideally suited to chatting, because your posts have a style that says "Here, have some tea. Let me spike it with something, we'll kick back on the porch, and let me tell you what I've been up to." I'm actually quite jealous of how you're able to pull that off.


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Catering Food Service Supervisor
Job description
Requisition Number
Job Title
Catering Food Service Supervisor
Official Title
Food Service Supervisor
Position Number
Dining-Retail - 163710
Is this an internal posting only?
Work Schedule
Hours will vary depending on location
Department Overview
Join the University of North Texas Catering Services department where fresh is "in"! All of our food is prepared fresh in our kitchens using local vendors and farms - no convenience foods. Our Catering Services department includes a nationally acclaimed vegan cafeteria, faculty and staff meal plans, and dining halls open to the community. All menu planning is done in-house by each kitchen's chef and fresh ice cream and baked goods are made on campus.
Job Description
The Dining Department at the University of North Texas is seeking to hire a Food Service Supervisor to join our team. Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
* Execution of all catering functions as per established standards.
* Daily supervision of food presentation and exceptional Guest service in catering.
* Opening or closing assigned areas.
* Supervising/instructing the work of cooks and other food service employees.
This position will require the following of all food safety policies, procedures, and standards for in house or national brand compliance. This role typically functions as an expert in a specified area of work or services (brand standards, service standards, production standards, equipment usage,) etc. Duties are standardized. Will be required to work some weekends.
The University of North Texas System and its component institutions are committed to equal opportunity and comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University of North Texas System and its component institutions do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, and employment practices.
Minimum Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess the following required qualifications:
High school diploma/GED equivalent and two years of experience in institutional or commercial food preparation, including one year of supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of experience, education, or training. The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required:
* Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions; ability to direct and manage the work of others.
* Ability to work from written menus, standard recipes and oral instructions.
* Ability to maintain records and complete forms accurately.
* Ability to apply mathematical concepts to complete tasks (example: checking
orders for quantity).
* Considerable knowledge of the materials, methods, and equipment used in
preparing food on a large scale.
* Considerable knowledge of health hazards in food preparation and service, and knowledge of necessary precautionary measures.
* Knowledge of food values and menu planning.
* Ability to train personnel in the care and use of equipment and in standard
practices and methods used in large-scale food service.
* Knowledge of safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed.
Required: Must be Food Safe Certified or able to obtain certification within 6 months. Ability to obtain a Health Certificate as issued by the Denton City-County Health Department.
Preferred Qualifications
The preferred candidate will possess the following additional qualifications:
* Great work ethics.
* Outgoing personality.
* Some food & beverage knowledge preferred.
* Willing to train the right candidate.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must submit a resume and a list of three professional references with their online application.
Is this a security sensitive position?
Driving a University Vehicle?
Job Open Date
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled
Pay Rate
Pay Basis
Job Type
Full-time Permanent
Quicklink for Posting


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The Force will be with Netflix users in March.
"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" fans can binge on the unaired sixth and final season of the animated series when it premieres on the streaming service March 7, Lucasfilm and Disney announced Thursday.
Following the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney, its new owners canceled "Clone Wars" after its Season 5 finale, despite Lucasfilm already having begun work on a sixth season. As part of the deal explained at starwars.com, all five seasons of "Clone Wars" that aired on Cartoon Network, with director's cut episodes and the feature film, will be available to stream.
"Clone Wars" focused on Jedi knights such as Anakin Skywalker (voiced by Matt Lanter), his young apprentice Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) and his Jedi master, Obi-Wan Kenobi (James Arnold Taylor). It followed the "Star Wars" adventures that occurred between "Episode II—Attack of the Clones" and "Episode III—Revenge of the Sith."
The 13-episode final season, called "The Lost Missions," will reveal "some of the deepest mysteries of the conflict between the light and the dark sides of the Force," says the release. "An intrepid clone trooper discovers a shocking secret, Anakin Skywalker's closest relationship is tested to its limits, and what Master Yoda discovers while investigating the disappearance of a Jedi could forever change the balance of power in the galaxy."
This is the first time any "Star Wars" content has been available for Netflix streaming members and the deal follows a recent announcement from Netflix and The Walt Disney Company to create original series based on Marvel characters to the service in 2015.
Want more? Discuss this article and others on Show Patrol's Facebook page.


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Before sunrise on a recent morning, Paige Figi tossed on a scarf, grabbed her suitcase, and gave her daughter Charlotte, who had never been healthy enough to leave with anyone else, a hug goodbye.
"Be good, sweetie," she said. "I love you."
Charlotte has a severe form of epilepsy. Two years ago Figi started giving the then-5-year-old a daily dose of oil made from a special marijuana strain produced in Colorado. The oil has almost no THC, the molecule that gets users stoned, but is rich in a molecule called cannabidiol that studies suggest could control seizures. Before the oil Charlotte had hundreds of seizures per week. She now has, on average, fewer than one. Once nearly catatonic, today she sings, dances, takes selfies.
News of Charlotte's improvement turned Figi into an unwitting poster mom for medical marijuana.
In the past few months she has flown to Vermont, California, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Florida and Washington D.C. to tell her story. She usually travels with members of the Stanley family - five brothers from Colorado Springs who make the oil.
Their goal is to get the oil to as many families as possible, while also establishing a sustainable business that can provide those in need with a safe, reliable product. Together they are setting up partnerships to produce the oil in states where it is legal, and pushing to change laws in states where it is not.
This time Figi was on her way to New York, which is considering a medical marijuana bill this spring.
"I always stayed away from politics. I don't feel like I'm an activist. I just feel other kids should have this chance," Figi said as she drove to pick up Joel Stanley before heading to the airport. "There is no one to do it but me."
The Stanleys and Figi are accidental partners. The brothers ran a typical medical marijuana dispensary in Colorado Springs in February 2012, when Figi came in, asking for an odd plant they had bred that was so low in THC that they had named it Hippie's Disappointment. A handful of small studies suggested marijuana high in cannabidiol could help quell seizures. Other growers had told Figi that the Stanleys had such a plant. Seeing that the girl had not been helped by a dozen prescription drugs, the brothers began blending Hippie's Disappointment with oil, so Charlotte could take it. When they saw the healing effect the strain had, they renamed it Charlotte's Web.
A special report on Charlotte and other local kids helped by the oil aired on CNN in August. The Stanleys began getting about 4,000 calls per month. Almost 100 families have moved to Colorado since then to get the oil. Another 171 are on a waiting list and could move in the next several months. But not everyone can just pick up and leave home, Figi said.
During the last few months, she has watched two children in other states with the same disorder as her daughter - Dravet Syndrome - die without ever being able to try the oil.
"That is what motivates me," she said. "I will not stop fighting."
Already Figi and the Stanleys have had success. The Stanleys have set up a dispensary in Modesto, Calif., where medical marijuana is legal. There, Ray Mirzabegian, the father of a 10-year-old girl with Dravet Syndrome, now produces Charlotte's Web oil to the Stanleys' exacting standards.
"The plants are in the ground and we are expanding as fast as we can," he said. "We think eventually we may have 20,000 patients."
The California dispensary is set up like a franchise. Mirzabegian owns the business, and pays a small licensing fee to the Stanleys to use their plant and their process. "The intentions of the Stanleys is not to make lots of money," he said. "It is just to be sustainable and safe."
Federal law prohibits mailing the oil, even to other states where medical marijuana is legal.
The brothers are setting up more licensees in six other states and Canada that should open in the next several months.
"We realized when we saw what a huge impact this had on these kids' lives that we would have to try to take it to other states," Joel Stanley said as he came down his driveway and put his suitcase in Figi's car.
Other states have strains of marijuana with similar levels of THC and cannabidiol, but parents have to buy the raw plant, make the oil themselves, and hope it contains what the seller says it does. There are no growers in other legal states, Stanley said, that test the levels of compounds in each batch to ensure every drop has the same amount of active ingredients.
"These kids are delicate, and they rely on this. It has to be done right," Stanley said. "We feel we have a moral obligation to put this in the hands of the people who need it."
They also are having success on the legal front, thanks to a network of parents ready to lobby for a law that will help their epileptic kids. In state after state, parents have been able to persuade legislators to introduce bills. The Stanleys then provide advice on how to craft legal language tailored to allow for the oil, but not necessarily medical marijuana as a whole.
Figi has been flown in by these groups to testify at hearings and tell Charlotte's story.
"We started Charlotte on a therapy, and she instantly went seven days seizure-free from the first dose," Figi said at a hearing in Rochester, New York in December . "Now we're two years into this treatment, and she remains over 99.9 percent seizure-free."
Figi said she is careful not to get involved in larger controversies over marijuana.
"I don't even say marijuana," she said. "What we are talking about is so different."
Click here to view a video from a public hearing of the New York State Legislature's Standing Committee on Health concerning medical marijuana. Paige Figi is among the speakers.
This spring, eight states plan to introduce legislation legalizing the oil. Twenty others already have medical marijuana laws.
Even in typically conservative states like Utah and Oklahoma where a broad medical marijuana bill likely would not pass, some lawmakers are optimistic.
"Utah wouldn't stand one chance in a hundred of approving medical marijuana," said Gage Froerer , a Republican state legislator who is sponsoring a bill there. "But these groups of mothers came to me. We spoke with the Stanleys and felt pretty comfortable these guys were legitimate, so we decided to move forward. So far the other lawmakers I've spoken to have been very open to it."
The bill he plans to introduce this month is crafted to allow only marijuana oil with almost no THC, he said. "This is not about the elephant's nose in the tent," to allow Colorado-style medical marijuana, he said.
Alabama, which has some of the most restrictive marijuana laws in the country, also has a bill in the works. State Sen. Paul Sanford , one of its sponsors, told The Huntsville Times it was a hot-button issue, but was clearly the right thing to do, adding "If it costs me an election, I'll be OK. I'll sleep well at night."
Figi and the Stanleys have also met with some members of Congress, but there is no federal legislation in the works that would ease restrictions on mailing the oil, or change federal marijuana laws.
The constant travel has its costs. As he put his suitcase in the car, a weary-looking Stanley said he had spent only six days out of the past 30 at home, and one of his four children was crying the night before when she heard he had to leave again.
He feels he has little choice but to go. He and his brothers almost accidentally created an oil that could improve the lives of untold thousands of people. Stanley, who graduated from Colorado Springs Christian School in 1998 , said the collision of events was "almost divine."
"For whatever reason, it is up to us to do this. This could make history. And it is now or never," he said.
Waiting by the car, Figi nodded. They had a long day ahead that included a flight and testifying at a hearing in Long Island. The sun had just risen and it caught the steam rising from her travel mug. She raised it and said, "Here's to New York."