Workforce

Senate confirms deputy secretary at VA

Tanya Bradsher takes over as the top official tasked with managing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ troubled electronic health record project.

Oversight

Pandemic unemployment fraud as high as $135B, watchdog says

The Government Accountability Office's new estimate underscores the urgency of modernizing state-based unemployment insurance systems.

Pay & Benefits

GOP lawmakers tap Holman Rule to slash the salaries of agency heads

If House conservatives get their way, multiple federal officials will open fiscal 2024 with $1 annual salaries.

Tech

The federal government's most disliked IT help desks

A survey of more than 270,000 federal employees shows DOD at the bottom when it comes to satisfaction with IT support and equipment.

Defense

VA extends PACT Act filing deadline after website glitches

The Veterans Affairs Department is giving eligible veterans an extra week to announce their intention to submit claims under a law that expands benefits for exposure to toxic substances.

Oversight

Does Congress Need a Chief Data Officer?

A new joint resolution would establish a bipartisan commission to look at what legislators need in terms of data, evidence and professional capacity.

Tech

The IRS Will Test a Government-Run Free File System in 2024

The move could presage the large-scale deployment of free, government-furnished online tax prep services.

Management

GSA Tools Flag Diverse Suppliers for Procurement Officials

Two new online tools give agency buyers a look at diverse vendors and reports on access by new entrants to the federal market.

Pay & Benefits

OPM Tests Chatbot For Retirement Services

The retirement services chatbot is designed to answer easy questions to free up call center resources for more complex inquiries.

Tech

Accelerated FAA Modernization Will Suffer Under Stopgap Funding, Says Agency Head

A full year continuing resolution would hamper needed tech upgrades, according to the FAA's top official.

Tech

Electronic Records Deadline Officially Punted to 2024

The extension was first announced in an October meeting of federal records officers.

Oversight

Longtime GSA Official Jim Russo Dies at 65

Colleagues remember a technical expert, a trusted collaborator and a caring friend.

Management

Mary Davie, Longtime Federal Acquisition Leader, to Exit Government

Davie pioneered acquisition strategies like shared services, category management and others that are now fixtures of the federal buying landscape.

Oversight

CFPB Warns Firms On Poor Cyber Hygiene

The agency says that bad password and data management and other practices can expose companies to legal consequences.

Management

Oversight Committee Chair Maloney Loses Primary

Maloney's defeat sets up a race to see who will be the next top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Management

Senators Are Urging DOJ to Flex Its Debarment Authority

Two Democrats say that companies are getting away with "ripping off the government" because of the reluctance to exercise suspension and debarment authorities.

Oversight

Senate Chairman Presses for Details on Deleted Jan. 6 Texts

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, wants officials to explain what they know about the deletion of texts potentially relevant to ongoing inquiries into the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and why seemingly routine records management directives were ignored.

Tech

House Bill Tasks CISA With SolarWinds Report

A key lawmaker on the House Homeland Security Committee wants more details on what was breached and what was lost when the SolarWinds Orion platform was compromised in a supply chain attack.

Defense

Former Pentagon Cyber Official Loses Her Bid for Congress Despite Donald Trump’s Backing

Katie Arrington, who led a Defense Department push to bring 300,000 contractors into compliance with cyber hygiene policies, lost her race to oust a Republican incumbent in a South Carolina congressional primary.

Management

Agencies Aren't Hitting Disconnection Targets Under EIS

Some agencies may have to exercise "continuity of service" contract clauses to keep phones, internet and other network services online beyond the May 2023 deadline.