Management

Experts Recommend Creating a New White House Position for Pandemic Response

COVID-19 may transition from pandemic to endemic status, but there will still be a new normal, they said.

Management

The Secretary of State Has One Overarching Message for U.S. Embassy Personnel in Europe: ‘Thank You’

The secretary is abroad for five days continuing the Biden administration’s efforts to counter Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Updated Management

A New Rule Aims to Boost Biden’s ‘Made in America’ Program

The update to the Buy American Act would build on the administration’s push to get federal agencies using more domestic products and services.

Workforce

Coronavirus Roundup: DOJ Amps Up its COVID-19 Fraud Efforts

Here’s a list of this week’s news updates and stories you may have missed.

Management

The Senate Passes a Measure Aimed at Undoing the Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Workers

The Supreme Court allowed it to stand last month, but lawmakers say the measure punishes the health care workforce.

Management

Federal Agencies Can Relax Their Mask and Testing Requirements

The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force updated its guidance following new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Oversight

The Park Police’s ‘Dilapidated’ D.C. Dispatch Office Puts Safety at Risk, an IG Says 

Holes in the roof allowing water and bird droppings through and possible black mold are among the issues, as well as problems with staffing and training.

Management

State Dept. Nominees Can Move Forward, Now That a GOP Senator Has Lifted His Holds 

Sen. Ted Cruz is allowing the process to move forward now that Biden has reinstated sanctions on the company in charge of the natural gas pipeline between Russia and Germany. 

Workforce

Coronavirus Roundup: New CDC Mask Guidance Expected; Biden Prepares for SOTU Amid Pandemic Changes 

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

Management

The Federal Prisons Lockdown Is Over At All But One Facility

The nationwide lockdown was implemented on Jan. 31 after two inmates died following a fight.

Oversight

An Investigation Has Found That Trump’s First Interior Secretary Violated His Ethics Obligations

The inspector general referred the matter to the Justice Department, but it declined to pursue criminal prosecution.

Defense

U.S. Embassy Staff in Ukraine Have Been Relocated to Poland

They are “essentially commuting,” said a State Department spokesperson.

Oversight

GSA’s Lease for the Trump Hotel is Under Scrutiny Again

Lawmakers are calling for the agency to consider terminating the lease after the Trump Organization’s accounting firm said it could no longer vouch for the company’s financial statements.

Oversight

What Does Another Continuing Resolution Mean for Federal Contractors?

These stopgap spending measures can lead to "endless stop-and-start contract cycles, creating inefficiency and disruption."

Workforce

Part of Biden’s $15 Contractor Minimum Wage Order Was Temporarily Halted

“This ruling helps more than 40,000 companies like Arkansas Valley Adventures who provide seasonal recreational services on federal lands,” said an attorney for the plaintiffs.

Management

Coronavirus Roundup: The Pandemic is a ‘Wild Card’ as Biden Plans His State of the Union Address

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

Oversight

A Watchdog Has Found the Trump Administration Handled Some Ukraine Funds Lawfully

This is “distinguishable” from the 2020 ruling in which the watchdog determined the Trump administration did violate the law with other aid spending, GAO said. 

Oversight

Biden Can do More to Protect Inspectors General, Says Former Watchdog Fired by Trump

Guidance issued by the Biden administration was “important,” but an executive order could also help preserve IG independence, said Michael Atkinson.