Features

Boosting Business

GSA pitches efficiency and customer service to compete with agencies’ procurement offerings.

Pay & Benefits

Postal Service strives to maintain a deep bench for executive jobs

Even as USPS’ workforce shrinks, officials focus on getting diverse candidates with varied experience lined up for leadership vacancies.

Pay & Benefits

Transit Sticker Shock

Federal commuters could see their transit benefits cut almost in half if Congress doesn’t act by the end of the year.

Oversight

Study to settle public-private pay debate still a ways off

Data shows increasing compensation gaps between public and private sector workers, as observers wait for a reliable comparison.

Defense

Lawmaker questions management of soldiers’ life insurance funds

Beneficiaries aren’t well-informed on insurance payouts and don’t receive full interest, says Democrat.

Oversight

Lawmaker seeks cap on federal workforce growth

Move could increase outsourcing and federal spending, union leaders and Democratic lawmakers say.

Defense

Defense ends performance-based pay for intelligence employees

Workers will not see salary reductions as a result of the change, outgoing Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence James Clapper says.

Pay & Benefits

Deep Freeze

Restrictions on bonuses for political appointees are nothing new.

Oversight

USPS posts $3.5 billion third quarter loss

Workforce cuts and push for fewer delivery days will continue, officials say.

News

From Nextgov.com: Air traffic technologies get boost from Senate appropriators

But lawmakers are concerned FAA is taking too long to deploy key NextGen programs and have asked the agency to submit a spending plan that includes milestones and deadlines.

Oversight

Lawmaker proposes alternative mail delivery schedule

Postal Service says legislation does not go far enough to save money.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: GSA slams its way through IT improvements

One-day workshop addresses important technology projects , says agency CIO.

Oversight

Postal Service announces hiring freeze

Agency will halt hiring and promotions for foreseeable future, official says.

News

From Nextgov.com: $114 billion still available for federal contractors before Sept. 30

Agencies are likely to spend the remaining money on lower-cost items like computers and IT equipment, observer says.

Oversight

Government employees on film rated as good-looking, smart

Even in movies with a negative depiction of government, institutions rather than individuals were targeted.

News

From Nextgov.com: Social media raises federal record-keeping, privacy concerns

Web 2.0 tools are important for agency missions but require additional guidance , officials say.

Pay & Benefits

Account Management

Calculating employees’ retirement benefits is complicated.

News

From Nextgov.com: Contractors asked to voluntarily submit emissions data

GSA will give preference to vendors that provide greenhouse gas information , official says.

Pay & Benefits

Thrift Savings Plan launches new website

After delays, revamped site aims to offer easier navigation for users.

Defense

Veterans Affairs to streamline PTSD claims process

New rules eliminate detailed investigations into veterans’ service records.