Oversight
A new Social Security report shows the growing overpayment problem tops $23b
For the past several years, the agency routinely distributed between $6 billion and $7 billion in new overpayments each year.
Pay & Benefits
OPM proposes making it easier to approve some recruitment and relocation incentives
Under proposed regulations, the federal government’s HR agency would no longer need to approve waivers of traditional incentive payment caps in advance, potentially speeding up the hiring and relocation processes.
Management
Federal buildings’ deferred maintenance costs are soaring, GAO says, here’s how agencies can help
The cost of delayed repairs to federal facilities swelled 58% between fiscal 2017 and 2022, and the watchdog said that agencies can be doing more to inform about the backlog.
Management
USPS looks to raise rates for packages, too
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy continues an aggressive pricing strategy despite concerns over volume losses.
Defense
DOD launches a platform to educate its workforce on AI basics
The new program will provide DOD’s civilian and military personnel with access to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology service that consists of “bite-sized learning assets” on AI tools and other technologies.
Management
9 times the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers miscalculated badly at the expense of taxpayers and wildlife
The agency has a history of diving into big construction projects that exceed projected costs, fall short on projected benefits and, in some cases, create new problems that engineers hadn’t bargained for.
News
Saying goodbye to a giant in government journalism: Charlie Clark, 1953-2023
Clark, a former senior correspondent for GovExec, died Wednesday after a brief illness.
Management
Biden’s cyber director nominee clears Senate committee
As Biden’s pick for national cyber director — Harry Coker — makes his way through the Senate, the current acting director nears her last day.
Pay & Benefits
Democrats reintroduce bill to improve locality pay for some federal jobs
The Locality Pay Equity Act would ensure that locality pay determinations, currently bifurcated between the General Schedule and Federal Wage System pay scales, would be consistent for most federal employees.
Pay & Benefits
Open Season and tax savings
Spending a few hours reviewing your options for 2024, may save you a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars next year.
Oversight
Login-dot-gov is 'fraudulent,' says House Republican gunning to defund 18F
Texas Republican Pete Sessions said 18F “misled and lied to the government” about the credentialing service’s capabilities .
Management
VA hopeful boosted staffing can help reduce rising veteran suicides
With the number of veteran suicides climbing in 2021, the department continues to deploy resources and recruit mental health professionals to help provide care.
Management
Congress averts shutdown after Senate approves two-tiered CR
President Biden is expected to sign the measure to keep agencies funded past Friday.
Workforce
Overtime, staffing shortages and shutdowns to blame for recent air safety issues, panel finds
A task force is calling on FAA to "urgently" address its staffing issues to avoid further risks to the flying public.
Pay & Benefits
TSP board OKs new international fund index, this time without China
A previous effort to move the I Fund to a broader benchmark index, which included investments in Chinese corporations, met opposition from the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers.
Oversight
VA veterans crisis line to face new investigation by GAO
Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., says several whistleblowers have told him and his staff that veterans crisis line “responders are currently transferring veterans determined to present complex needs to an indefinite waiting list for eventual contact from a special unit.”
Management
Labor Department calls on states to reevaluate unemployment benefit accessibility
Access to unemployment has been declining and differs drastically across demographic groups. The Labor Department is urging states and territories to do something about it in new guidance.
Defense
Tuberville's blockade of military nominees could be evaded after move by Senate panel
The Republican senator has been objecting to the time-saving unanimous consent process since the spring to display his opposition to a policy that grants members of the armed services time off and travel reimbursement when seeking an abortion in states where it remains unrestricted.
Pay & Benefits
Flexible Spending Account contribution limits to increase in 2024
FSAs can be an essential way to save money on health care costs.
Management
House passes two-tiered stopgap bill days before shutdown
The novel approach to avert a funding lapse now heads to the Senate.
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