The Week in Comments: Life without NSPS, PowerPoint or KSAs
The best in reader reaction to recent articles.
A roundup of some of the comments received this week in the GovExec.com Mailbag. All comments are presented in their original, unedited form.
On TSA is entering a new developmental phase, executive says
An attack on Mass transit wont shut down the Nation, an attack on Aviation will bring everything to a stop, look back on what happened after 911. The congressman is jsut looking for "LOOT" from TSA for his slacked constiuants.
Well the vast pool of screeners working to keep the interest of the republic safe will not wane with unionization. On the contrary with unionization at TSA . The voice of the TSO' s can better be heard to insure the safety , diginaty , and prespect of the traveling public.
Unfortunately, for every 1 person that gets on an airplane, 17.5 get on mass transit, yet aviation has billions for security, while mass transit receives a few million. The hearing was an exercise is listening, which seems that "grunt" didn't do. Aviation has been secured, and TSA has done an outstanding job in this pursuit. Now, let's take the same initiate and put it into transit and freight rail security.
On Three insurers move up age for young adult eligibility
Voting, drinking, smoking and licensing to follow? No point in forcing young adults to act like it if we can help it I guess.
Once again the Federal Govt pretends that affordable healthcare insurance was not available to young adults who aged-out of their parents plans. These young adults are not minors/children except in terms of self-responsibility and maturity. Apparently private citizens, in this case young adults, have absolutely no responsibility for taking care of themselves. No doubt, they will be high achievers in life. The government needs to be the government and not a babysitter.
Kaiser Permanente is giving the run-around on this too. Announce continued coverage only to deny the announced coverage to policy holders as a publicity stunt.
On Burning Question: Should government spend money trying to make itself look cool?
Perhaps "cool" isn't the best word. Despite what some radicals say, we need Government to have a peaceful organized country. And it would be nice to have less egos and more scholars in place.
There's actually a prohibition against "publicity and propaganda" in GAO's Principles of Appropriation Law. This includes "self aggrandizement" and "puffery" but is a very nebulous area to define. Probably as long as OMB lists itself as the source of all information, it will avoid the "covert propaganda" Antideficiency Act violations that have plagued HHS and the Education Department. Of course, there's also a prohibition against buying gifts with appropriated funds, but the GAO recently approved them (shirts, caps, mugs, etc.) for distribution to North Slope residents because the Forest Services' previous efforts to protect the eider populationer haven't been successful. Personally, I'm seeing a lot of interest by people seeking employment in the federal government. They already think it's a "cool" place to work.
I'm glad someone is asking the questions. The largest problem I see is not attracting people to the government but getting them through the federal hiring maze so they can accept a job. It's the OPM hiring shuffle that scares potential employees.
I can understand why republicans would be upset about this; after all, they spend a lot of time and effort trying to paint the government as a huge and useless bureaucracy. This kind of effort would be counter productive to this mission, and they certainly don't want people thinking that by choosing a career in the government they would be performing a valuable service to their country.
No. You do not work for the federal govt because it is cool - you work for the govt because you are patriotic.
On Survey: DHS employees enjoy work but view management warily
What a surprise...our survey results are totally reflective of the same issues, and have been for many years running. What I'd like to see is actual attention paid to what employees are saying. Not happening here, except for lip service. As a 39-year federal employee, I obviously love my job...just not the employee mis-management that is rife
It pains me to read articles like these. So many people in my part of DHS just want to do good work and be a part of something worthwhile. When the results of this survey were given to my senior managers last March, they spent the first 15 minutes of the meeting trying to figure out which employees submitted the bad ratings (in an anonymous survey). They have paid lip service to the survey ever since, and have rarely incorporated its results into their management practices, if ever. And, they have suffered no consequences, because their resistance is well disguised. We have a feudal system in my part of DHS, not a modern organization, I'm very sad to say.
I know of several former AZ statehouse employees that are now holding chief of staff spots and other high positions that fly to and from AZ every weekend or every other when they're supposed to be at work, claiming thay are at work. I don't think telework works on a plane. With examples like this in political leadership -- and they're blatant about it -- it's not hard to figure out why career employess feel a little slighted.
On SEC porn surfing draws Republican ire
The SEC must have been a ruderless ship. For such highly paid people to not realize that their computers were not being tracked. Highly paid Government workers doing stuff like this is more common than you think. Most of the people I work with raise their children using Work at Home.
At our bureau office, access to those sites were blocked at the local level so it never was a problem. What's up with the SEC?
how serious can this complaint be? This is the same party that spends its donations on bondage clubs. What's good for the goose...
Why aren't these folks fired?
On Federal Jobs: A 22-Year-Old's Take
It has not changed since I started working as a computer programer in 1979. I soon found out that industry was using IBM equipment, we had Univac. Our programs and our equipment were old. Ironically, I probably could brush up my skills and get a job COBOL programming. Maybe I should learn how to make buggy whips also.
Offer them a cell phone, iPod, and Nintendo DS, and you'll get plenty of applicants...
These you folks will never succeed in today's CS environment. They want to be held accountable, do meaningful work and be rewarded based on their contributions. Compare that with the CS model no accountability, annual promotions and raises, clerk work up to the SES level, and cooking classes and cherry blossoms hosted by Berry
On Half of employees will be off NSPS by end of June
This is the best news I've heard all year Hooray bring back the GS pay rate.
Glad I can go back to waiting for my turn in line for more money. Hated that thing call ed performance. internet surfing is back again. Yea. I know not to follow the sites of the SEC but all others are fair game.
As a supervisor I liked NSPS. I found that my previously poor performers were more motivated and required less oversight while under NSPS. Initially the implementation was burdensome but had we stayed with the program I believe it could have been successful and provided supervisors with a much more effective way to deal with those employees who were previously "passing" along pass/fail system.
On OMB seeks input on changes to 'inherently governmental' definition
The more things change the more they stay the same. Lots movement of furnishings, but no substantive change. The primary product is belief that there has been change, e.g., moved the bed to the right now back again, as a result, change.
The contractors who provided valuable input to the administration classified an activity as "inherently governmental" when it is so intimately related to the public interest that it must be performed by Contractor employees and not left to Federal employees. What does this guy expect the contractors to say?
On White House chef confesses: Obama garden not so green
Excuse me, does omeone out there care if this garden is certified "organic"? That term is such a joke. At least they have a garden and some visitors may just discover that vegetables do not come from the supermarket. Some children may even discover that there are, in fact, vegetables. They are certainly not learning this at home!
It's a garden in the back yard. No one really cares if it's organic or not. I guess if the president used a comb with 96 teeth instead of 95, there would immeadiatly be pundits asking the burning question of "why the extra tooth". Again get real and who cares.
This title is misleading. Nothing about an organic certification means the end product is "more green." The USDA has said time and time again the term "organic" is a mere marketing tool and does not ensure a healthier or safer product.
On Administration weighs response to Arizona immigration law
I'm also against illegal immigration. But, this liscense to do racial profiling is over the top. I know that as a Native American, I'm not going to step into Arizona as I would most likely be stopped by the first idiot out for quota in a blue uniform. I thought there were already laws against illegals, hence the name ILLEGAL Alien.
We seem to be slipping into that old adage that doing nothing is better than doing something.
I don't "cherish" fairness for illegals in my country. If they're not here legally, they belong in their own country.
I applaud GOV. Brewer's step to take control of an out of control situation in her state. Illegal immigrants are a drain on state supported programs that are intended to support legal residents including medical facilities, education facilities, law enforcement and penal facilities. Violence is out of control with Mexican drug cartels all along the border and seeping across our borders at alarming rates. Perhaps those in DC who are insulted by 2400+ miles need to spend a few weeks doing right seat rides with border patrol and law enforcement agents along the border to become better acquainted reality. Instead of reading it over coffee somewhere in the Russell Bldg or dare I say it, the White House. Good on ya, AZ.
I find it incredulous that Ms. Napolitano seems to not comprehend the title of Homeland Security Secretary. I believe the word "Security" says it all. With the current open doors at our borders, particularly the Southern one, many legal Americans do feel threatened by the knowledge that anyone can literally walk across our borders with any kind of WMD on their backs and cause larger scale death and destruction to American citizens. When you truly control the borders, you can't help but have better control of illegal immigration. At the same time, you reduce the potential for a "Walk across the border" terrorist act.
I think the administration needs to visit the border states and have a serious dialogue with the Governors. This law only relects federal law and unties the hands of state and local law enforcement officers. I wish our state would adopt a similar law. I don't understand why anyone would object to a law that just strengthens laws that prevent illegal activity.
The ramblings and opinions expressed by an earlier posting represents the attitude that got us in this mess. How about offering some productive, constructive, and valid ideas rather than the vitriol and railing against a political party. The comments are similar to saying that every African-American is alike, so it will be just fine to make sure future generations know that African-Americans are all dolts. If the previous poster would care to check on who has run the Finance committee the answer is Barney Frank. Many of the postings are indeed worthy of attention but a few need to focus energy on making sure future generations have informed positions from which to vote rather than basing a decision on an overally emotional diatribe expressed by a drama queen.
Does anyone else find it bazaar that the republicans are showing public support for the Arizona immigration law and at the same time fighting tooth and nail against a draft comprehensive immigration bill that would do the same thing and more on a federal level? Why are they supporting a band aid solution when an operation is needed?
On Hiring overhaul on the way as soon as next week
While this is all well and good, the door is pushed wide open for the cronysim to continue. More management in positions based on personal relationship as opposed to actual skills and knowledge to do the job; more girl fridays in positions not qualified for. The system absolutely needs to be overhauled. The corruption will continue.
The majority of people who want the KSA's done away with are either too lazy to read them when reviewing an application or lack the skills to answer them properly when filling out an application. Because the KSA's are important enough in the selection process as are interviews many agencies may require the KSA's later on in the selection process. Just when is the dumbing down of the selection process going to stop; it appears this administration has little interest in quality employees. I strongly oppose this move and I expect most other managers and supervisors do as well.
Using resumes as a way of filling vacant positions? How radical! It's socialism, I tell ya! Alert the tea-baggers!
On Former special counsel pleads guilty
It's certain that Bloch won't do any prison time regardless of how much many of us would wish it. Yet, he does have the distinction of being the only Special Counsel to have ever been fired and found guilty of criminal contempt of Congress. And that vindicates both those that suffered because of him and those that fought to expose him. Good riddance!
Bloch is the antithesis of selfless service and the protection, checks, and balances he was charged with overseeing. His actions at the OSC were contemptible. If our watchdog and enforcement agencies are corrupt, what hope do we ever have of cleaning up the mess in the Beltway? And people wonder why Americans are angry and distrustful of the federal government? It ain't rocket science to figure that one out.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
On Watchdog finds unfair hiring practices in internship program
FCIP is the way that agencies hire GS-5s and 7s because otherwise we have to pay OPM thousands of dollars for an ACWA cert. Agencies don't have thousands of dollars to spend for a list of applicants so this is what you get. Get rid of ACWA and agencies will competitively.
Wow..sounds almost like veterans' "preference"......
My question, how does a sitting Intern get shuffeled into a position over more experienced, qualified personnel without being required to compete?
On House overhauls acquisition of Defense services, technology
I'm not sure how anything mentioned is going to allow procurment to happen any faster. Sounds like there will be even more forms and red tape for auditability. This bill is the opposite of streamlining the process.
Sounds like just another form of "NSPS" pay for performance system, just not called "NSPS".
This will either result in collusion or rubber stamped approvals. Idiocy in action!
Sounds like Congress is reinstituting NSPS after they just got rid of it and only applying it to the acquisition work force.
On Burning Question: Which is a bigger threat to the military, bullets or bullet points?
All too many times I've watched action officers read their slides without providing additional "meat". Meanwhile people are typing on their crackberries and falling asleep. We all know how to read and we've all been sent to courses to use office products. Lets focus on teaching folks how to brief and manage meetings to keep them "on-topic".
Problem has become, at least in the Army, that: 1. Lights go down; 2. Slides come up (and, whoa! some of those slides!); 3. "Crack"berries come out, because; 4. senior officers' time is too valuable, they have too much to do, they can read the slides later (or have a subordinate tell them what the briefing contained), and yada, yada, yada. Folks need to stop "briefing" and start TALKING, which means audiences might have to start LISTENING.
PowerPoint is a tool to help you think and present your thoughts. If you can't think clearly, your PowerPoint will not contribute to the conversation. If you can think clearly and express your thoughts, your PowerPoint will make sense and will contribute.
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