Oversight

Administration announces finalists in cost-cutting contest

Four proposals to boost efficiency put to public vote.

Oversight

Federal Career Intern Program on thin ice

Excepted service hiring authority violates veterans preference regulations, MSPB says.

Pay & Benefits

FEHBP plans have wide range of flexibility and cost

Participants should know which providers are covered and how much they’ll be paying out of pocket before making any changes.

Pay & Benefits

Covering the Kids

Federal employees have access to several programs for managing the cost of child and dependent care.

Oversight

Hiring reform could reverse attrition of new employees

Improved assessments and welcome programs are keys to retaining talent, observers say.

Oversight

Republican victory sets stage for new agenda

Unions and industry groups prepare for shifts in priorities on government workforce and management issues.

Trends

Replacing KSAs

As agencies phase out application essays, officials scramble to roll out new assessment tools.

Oversight

Federal pay and benefits could change with new Congress

Republican takeover in House could set stage for federal pay freezes and downsizing.

Pay & Benefits

Health coverage changes for feds could result in a robust open season

As premiums rise and more insurance plans leave FEHBP, federal employees could shop around more than usual this year.

Pay & Benefits

Public-private pay gap is widening, data show

Salary council will meet again in mid-November to determine whether changes in locality pay areas and salary comparison methods are advisable.

Pay & Benefits

Disability Retirement

Feds with chronic medical conditions can collect retirement benefits after leaving government.

Pay & Benefits

Domestic partner benefits get another boost

New contract extends sick-leave provisions to Forest Service employees and their domestic partners.

Oversight

Postmaster general steps down

John Potter departs amid Postal Service’s ongoing fiscal crisis and workforce challenges.

Pay & Benefits

Social Security employees get bonus Thanksgiving holiday

Workers receive Nov. 26 off because of job well done, commissioner says.

Pay & Benefits

First open season since health reform is around the corner

Feds will have premium increases and several new benefits to consider as they decide whether to change their insurance elections.

Pay & Benefits

Life Insurance Options

Participants in the government’s program now have more opportunities to alter their coverage.

Defense

Cybersecurity is ‘really about the people,’ official says

Technology means little without a strong workforce to protect computer networks, panelists note.

Pay & Benefits

OPM tackles retirement claims processing again

Agency plans to boost staff and streamline procedures to reduce backlog, officials say.

Oversight

OPM and unions tussle over employee appeal rights

The Merit Systems Protection Board should use a broad threshold to evaluate appeals of employees removed from their positions, say unions.

Oversight

Retired feds could see one-time Social Security bonus

Legislation provides $250 payment in lieu of 2011 cost-of-living adjustment.