Management

Coronavirus Roundup: Changes at the CDC; the Republicans on the COVID Panel

There’s a lot to keep track of. Here’s a list of this week’s news updates and stories you may have missed.

Defense

Left in Limbo, a Handful of Biden’s Defense Picks Await Senate Action

Four nominees—all people of color—received committee approval months ago but have yet to get a Senate vote.

Workforce

Even Bivalent Updated COVID-19 Boosters Struggle to Prevent Omicron Subvariant Transmission – An Immunologist Discusses Why New Approaches Are Necessary

The new bivalent boosters against COVID-19 have failed to halt omicron infections. However, new technologies are being developed that pave a way forward.

Nextgov

Justice 'Hacked the Hackers' of Hive Ransomware, Stopping $130M in Demands

It took national and international cooperation to thwart the group, who targeted more than 1,500 victims.

Pay & Benefits

Congressional Democrats Propose an 8.7% Pay Raise for Feds in 2024

The annually introduced bill would provide a 4.7% across-the-board increase in basic pay and an average 4% increase to locality pay.

Pay & Benefits

Who Can and Can’t Get Coverage Under Your Health Insurance

OPM doesn’t know how many people with FEHB coverage are actually ineligible for the program.

Nextgov

NIST Debuts Long-Anticipated AI Risk Management Framework

With the launch of the AI RMF 1.0, federal researchers focused on four core functions to structure how all organizations evaluate and introduce more trustworthy AI systems.

Defense

Homelessness Among Veterans Has Been Cut in Half since 2010, VA Says

In Texas, the number of homeless veterans has dropped 65% between 2007 and 2020, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Workforce

OPM Previews Its New Cyber Workforce Dashboard

The dashboard will launch after the agency has determined what data to make publicly available.

Workforce

The Debt Limit Fight May Have Long-Term Budget Consequences

Doug Criscitello joins the podcast to discuss the effects of a prolonged fight and how it will affect government operations.

Nextgov

OPM Previews Its New Cyber Workforce Dashboard

The dashboard will launch after the agency has determined what data to make publicly available.

Management

Couch, Private Meeting Booth or Desk? Feds Can Come Try Out New Office Digs in D.C.

This is part of GSA’s “workplace 2030” initiative as federal agencies work on their post-pandemic plans.   

Oversight

OPM Has Replaced Its Embattled CFO Following Harassment Report

The Defense Department inspector general recently substantiated complaints that the senior executive sexually harassed subordinates and used racial slurs.

Oversight

Postal Service On-Time Performance Similar in Rural and Urban Areas, Report Finds

Government Accountability Office auditors analyzed on-time delivery performance for four largest USPS mail types by volume from October 2020 to December 2021

Defense

CEOs Downplay Anticipated Gridlock on Capitol Hill, Defense Spending Cuts

Lockheed, Raytheon chiefs also say pandemic-era supply-chain woes are subsiding.

Oversight

Biden, Democrats to U.S. House Republicans: Show Us Your Debt Limit Plan

The Treasury Department has been using accounting maneuvers to continue paying all of the country’s bills in full and on time.

Pay & Benefits

The Debt Ceiling Could Hurt Feds’ Paychecks—But Only If Things Drag On

“Some of the proposed savings Republicans are seeking might come from federal employees’ compensation,” one fed advocate says.