Management
Want to modernize the federal workforce? Here's how
A new nonprofit study examines how the federal government could update the civil service to both capture new talent and capitalize on its available talent.
Management
Senators unveil bipartisan bill to improve security at federal buildings
Legislation requiring agencies to respond to recommendations from the Federal Protective Service within 90 days, after a GAO investigation and congressional hearings revealed the vast majority of security recommendations go ignored.
Workforce
EPA has a new plan to protect career scientists, but some are questioning its efficacy
Solutions to concerns over accountability and reporting mechanisms are coming soon, EPA official says.
Workforce
Feds to compete for cyber glory at fifth annual President's Cup
CISA officials describe the positive impact the annual cybersecurity game aims to have across the federal workforce.
Oversight
GSA used ‘egregiously flawed’ data to clear purchase of Chinese-made cameras, watchdog says
The inspector general's report noted that the acquired video conferencing cameras were not compliant with the 1979 Trade Agreements Act and contained security flaws that, in some instances, had still gone unpatched.
Pay & Benefits
Is the 5.2% pay raise enough for feds? Union says no
While the president authorized the largest pay raise for federal employees in more than 40 years last month, the National Federation of Federal Employees said inflation and the outpacing private sector pay means workers need more.
Management
IRS launches push to clean up its communications
Simplification of notices sent to taxpayers is one of the tax agency’s lines of work under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Oversight
GAO: Agencies need to trust each other’s background check processes
An array of technical and cultural challenges plague the federal government’s ability to OK the transfer of federal employees across agencies, the government watchdog found.
Oversight
A surprising history of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals
Once a leader in expanding civil rights, it's now a leader in limiting government power.
Workforce
Staffing growth at VA is not leading to lower wait times in some areas
The department does not expect to add a net total of health care workers this year, but hopes to boost access in key specialties.
Defense
Some secret military programs are getting a little less secret
New classification guidance aims to streamline operations within the Pentagon and with foreign partners.
Management
Bipartisan bill strives for ‘more nimble and meaningful’ federal contracting
Legislation from Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, would “streamline procedures” for both solicitation and awards by slimming down the procurement process.
Workforce
How to transform agency workforces with skills-based hiring
COMMENTARY | This fundamental shift requires government recruiters and hiring managers to think outside the box and adjust how they source, screen and train talent.
Tech
Cruz, Peters introduce bill prodding agencies to share custom code
The lawmakers say that existing policies on sharing such code aren’t being implemented by agencies.
Pay & Benefits
GSA could soon update some relocation expense reimbursement caps more regularly
It’s been more than a decade since the agency updated the maximum amounts of payments for miscellaneous relocation expenses that don’t require itemized receipts.
Workforce
Group of feds causes firestorm after ‘walking out’ over Biden’s Israel policies
House speaker has called for their firings, but the group is pledging further action.
Workforce
Uncle Sam wants you to help train government HR to hire tech talent
Several agencies are hosting a challenge with prize money meant to spur innovation in how the government hires techies.
Management
FEMA to overhaul its disaster aid system after decades of criticism
The agency will offer upfront cash payments to disaster survivors and slash some of its infamous red tape.
Management
USPS must halt rate hikes, bipartisan group of lawmakers say
The House members made their demand the day after the latest price increases went into effect.
Oversight