Management

Labor Department Set to Streamline Procurement Services

The department has already made headway on shared services for human resources and information technology.

Oversight

Watchdog Finds Serious Staffing and Leadership Problems at State Department

Officials still feel the ramifications of the Trump administration’s 16-month hiring freeze.

Management

White House Seeks to Revise Federal Grants Process to Reflect New Priorities

The changes would reduce the reporting burden on grant recipients, among other things.

Management

The Senate Confirmation Process is Twice As Long Today As It Was During the Reagan Era

Partnership for Public Service study highlights the importance of a president’s first and fifth years in getting vacancies filled. 

Management

Bipartisan Bill Would Ban Reverse Auctions for Federal Construction Contracts

House lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday similar to a Senate measure passed in December.

Management

Defense Pledges to Do a Better Job of Sharing Security Information With Overseas Contractors 

The State Department has yet to respond to an industry association letter expressing concern over contractor safety. 

Oversight

Energy Dept. Hatch Act Violator Agrees to Resign and Leave Government for at Least 3 Years 

The employee gave a congressional candidate special access to a radioactive waste treatment plant despite warnings this would violate ban on political activity while working. 

Oversight

GAO: Trump Administration Violated the Law by Withholding Ukraine Aid

The administration pushed back on the findings, and has said GAO decisions are not binding.

Management

Would Converting Some DHS Political Positions to Career Ones Help Employee Morale?

Good government group recommends this as one way to address long-term challenges with dissatisfaction among employees.

Oversight

EPA Could Save Taxpayers Thousands of Dollars Through Stronger Oversight of Mobile Phones

The agency “missed an opportunity” to better use $12,000 spent over two years on unnecessary voice and data services, watchdog finds.

Oversight

Good Government Groups Push for Nonpartisan Panel to Find FEC Commissioners 

They wrote to the White House and Senate leadership on Monday urging the speedy restoration of a quorum and then a panel to help fill the remaining seats.

Management

Senate Confirms Trump’s Pick for Regulations Czar

Paul Ray served as the acting head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs before receiving the nomination.

Oversight

OSHA Cites Bureau of Prisons Facility for Unsafe Working Conditions

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration found “serious” problems at a Florida prison, prompting the first ever citation for BOP.