Workforce
‘Neutral competence,’ partisanship and efforts to overhaul the civil service
COMMENTARY | One scholar argues that a radical movement to shift powers to the president would be disastrous for the federal workforce.
Workforce
New NTEU president scolds GOP over telework, anti-worker rhetoric
The recently elected union leader said labor groups need to do more to educate the public on how federal workers benefit their lives.
Management
Federal employees to lose champion in Congress as lawmaker announces retirement
Jennifer Wexton will step down due to a rare medical condition.
Management
House GOP proposes to punt a shutdown for one month while slashing agency spending
Stopgap funding measure raises immediate doubts of whether it can pass the House or meaningfully reduce odds of an appropriations lapse in less than two weeks.
Workforce
Army recruiting: better than last year, still short of goal, officials say
The service inducted around 9,000 more new soldiers this year than in 2022, commander says.
Management
Civic hackers explore ways to streamline government operations
Lawmakers and technologists united for a day of civic hacking on Capitol Hill as part of an effort to modernize government services and make government operations more efficient.
Tech
Agency leaders see data analytics and customer service uses for AI
Tech officials told lawmakers they are focused on a socio-technical approach to AI use cases in the government, saying it is not “one size fits all.”
Pay & Benefits
With wildfires looming, Congress must act to prevent an exodus of firefighters
COMMENTARY | Firefighters protect communities and people, asking for little in return: equipment to do our jobs safely, benefits that recognize the inherent dangers of our work, and pay that is sufficient to take care of our families, writes one advocate.
Management
Are the White House's zero-emission goals for federal buildings unrealistic? Yes, say some Biden administration officials
Funding concerns and renewable energy supply could hamper Biden's ambitious goals for federal agencies, though the White House maintains it is on track to meet them.
Workforce
Regulations aimed at derailing a Schedule F revival proposed by OPM
An effort to insulate the federal workforce from future efforts to strip them of their removal protections could accelerate an “existential” debate over the nonpartisan civil service system, experts said.
Tech
VA's health record 'reset' will extend into 2024
There's one deployment of the new, multibillion dollar EHR on the books for next April and officials expect the rollouts to pick up in the summer.
Management
Federal prisons chief insists to Senate panel there’s been ‘visible change’ in the system
Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters told lawmakers on Wednesday that she has visited more than 20 facilities, and has worked to address employee misconduct and “hold those who engage in misconduct accountable.”
Workforce
Deconstructing the administrative state: At what cost?
COMMENTARY | Americans should be frightened by the prospect of a return to the spoils system, argue two scholars.
Workforce
Telework approach defended by agency leaders amid Republican pressure
Federal HR officials said, contrary to GOP lawmakers’ concerns, agencies monitor employees’ productivity while working remotely and ensure workers are not paid the improper amount in locality pay.
Management
New, consolidated USPS facilities are operating smoothly, but not yet delivering on improved working conditions
The Postal Service opened its new facilities before bathrooms and break rooms were built.
Management
FEMA rolls out climate adaptation loans for small and overlooked communities
The federal disaster relief agency has taken heat for steering past resilience funds to whiter, wealthier areas.
Pay & Benefits
A Question of Survival
Two questions, actually, from readers about survivor benefits.
Management
FLRA’s contract management system lacked documents, OIG says
The agency that oversees labor-management relations for the federal government was missing key information from its acquisition files and previously “had no formal contract file management policy in place,” according to leadership.
Oversight
DHS faces protests over $450M small business contract
The protestors disagree with how the Homeland Security Department is looking to field this IT and professional services contract.
Pay & Benefits