Summer heat may be slowing life down, but there is hope that with consistent new job creation, the U.S. economy will not slow down. Economists believe the job market to be holding firm and ADP’s National Employment Report is predicting job growth. Despite the 195,000 jobs added in June, unemployment remains at 7.6%, however. New workers entering the labor force last month helped the unemployment stay put, instead of declining with the increase in jobs.
A recent survey reflects the economy predictions. Forty three percent of employees believe they could find comparable work and salary in six months or less, if necessary, which is the highest this rate has been in four years. That’s good news for those looking to hire, as more employed workers may be willing to see if the grass really is greener.
The Defense Department’s move into leaner times begins this week as furloughs take effect. The real question is if this is simply something to be endured for the next three months or if actual layoffs of military, civilian, and contractor employees will occur in 2014.
Washington is where the STEM jobs are. The Washington, D.C. area ranks second for STEM jobs, which is good for the regions innovation, exports and income.
Who’s Acquiring
Someone in the Defense Intelligence Agency has used Turbo Tax and liked it. The DIA is seeking a knowledge-based system modeled on Turbo Tax to manage acquisitions from “cradle to grave”. Proposals are due by July 16.
Acquisitions is a hot topic lately within the Defense Department. Perhaps DIA’s new system can be a model that allows the Defense Department to better track and evaluate its acquisition services. In what seems to be a series of criticism of government acquisition, a new GAO report offered improvements to the DoD’s acquisition, including simple steps such as setting goals and measuring progress. Maybe they should hire more program managers.
Who’s Moving
Lockheed has founded a new group, named Lockheed Martin International, which will concentrate on international business. Locations will be in London and the D.C. area. It’s a sign of the times, as the defense industry looks overseas to boost sales.
Science Applications International Corp. has begun its split with a $700 million credit agreement, funded by Citibank. SAIC will have one entity focus on information technology services and the other, larger entity focus on national security, health and engineering.
