Management

EPA Calls Reporting on Proposed Rulemaking Update ‘Completely Misleading’

New York Times story lacks an “understanding of the rulemaking process,” said EPA.

Oversight

Election Commission Needs More Authority In Face of 2020 Threats, Report Finds

“The federal government regulates colored pencils . . . more strictly than it does America’s election infrastructure,” the nonpartisan Brennan Center notes.

Pay & Benefits

Updated Consumers’ Checkbook Guide Aims to Help Feds Compare Health Plan Costs

“Most people don’t realize how much money they’re leaving on the table,” says consumer advocate Walton Francis.

Oversight

Agencies Are Relying More on Alternatives to Contractor Suspension and Debarment

Annual report shows that exclusions from doing business with the government have decreased in recent years, yet are still up from 2009.

Oversight

What’s at Stake If Sen. Rand Paul Names the Ukraine Whistleblower

While there might not be legal implications, the move could hurt national security and have a chilling effect on future whistleblowers. 

Oversight

Election Oversight Agencies Struggle With Vacancies and Infighting

Commissions responsible for ensuring secure and fair elections are plagued with internal problems.

Management

OPM Makes It Easier for Feds to Shop for the Best Health Plan During Open Season

New plan comparison tool is more accessible and works better for employees overseas and on Medicare. 

Management

Trump Revokes Obama Order That Had Limited Hiring Options for Some Contractors 

Contracting experts had been critical of the lack of flexibility for managers under a rule requiring certain companies to hire employees from their predecessors. 

Management

How Five Federal Agencies Fostered Innovation

New report showcases initiatives including a procurement lab and virtual internship program. 

Oversight

Senate Panel Tackles Unauthorized Appropriations, or ‘Zombie Payments’

Unauthorized payments accounted for 23% of the discretionary budget in 2019, compared to 10% in the early 1990s.

Oversight

Watchdog: Better Information-Sharing Could Help Address Spike in College Hate Crimes

The Justice Department must keep its resources updated and raise awareness of them, GAO finds. 

Management

Trump Orders Study of Root Causes of Crime, Policing Practices

Attorney General William Barr will lead the new Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.

Oversight

IGs Unite Against Justice Legal Opinion That Ukraine Whistleblower Complaint Wasn’t an ‘Urgent Concern’

IG council says the opinion could have a “chilling effect” on future whistleblowers, asks Justice to reconsider. 

Management

Republican Senators Introduce Bill to Relocate Major Federal Agencies Outside of D.C.

Ninety-percent of positions in 10 departments would be moved to economically distressed areas.  

Oversight

Watchdog: EPA ‘Effectively Managed’ Hurricane Harvey Relief Funds

Inspector general finds EPA handled $11 million in FEMA funds appropriately, corrected issues found in previous investigations.

Management

Election Assistance Agency Loses Its Top Leaders 

The bipartisan and independent agency also faces pushback from advocacy organizations and potential funding shortages.