News

Pentagon lacks overall plan to ease security clearance backlog

GAO, Defense Department spar over whether comprehensive effort is necessary.

Pay & Benefits

TSP board agrees to research real estate investment fund option

Members say it will take more than a year for outside consultant to reach a conclusion.

Pay & Benefits

Thinking Long-Term

Insurance that covers nursing homes and assisted living costs isn’t fun to think about, but it may be a smart move

News

Financial agencies to adopt post-employment restrictions

Fines of up to $250,000 could be imposed on senior examiners for breach of rules.

News

DHS officials meet with labor leaders on personnel rules

Union officials had requested meeting after judge overturned labor relations portion of proposed new DHS personnel system last week.

News

OMB not deterred by DHS personnel reform setback

Agency says governmentwide personnel reform effort will go forward because it won't affect collective bargaining.

News

OPM soliciting dental and vision contracts

After denying a delay, the agency said it is considering pushing the program’s start date from July 2006 to December 2006.

News

Pentagon’s personnel system still a ‘go’ despite DHS ruling

Unions say officials should go back to the drawing board.

Defense

DHS told to revamp personnel rules

Judge says Congress intended for more collective bargaining in creating the agency.

News

Food inspectors’ union rights restored under FLRA ruling

Labor relations authority found inspectors' work not connected to national security.

Pay & Benefits

Life-Cycle Variety

The popular new “life-cycle” funds have far lower administrative costs, but are missing some of the innovations of certain private plans.

News

OPM to solicit contracts for dental and vision coverage in September

Two congressmen press OPM director to include regional providers in solicitation.

Defense

Cost of Defense personnel reforms questioned

Unions say $158 million quoted cost is unrealistic.

Pay & Benefits

OPM issues contracts to upgrade recruitment, training

Web site improvements designed to allow job seekers to check status of applications.

Pay & Benefits

Lawmakers rap OPM on underpaid retirement annuities

OPM director says on average, retirees initially receive only 80 percent of what they are owed.

News

OPM approves direct-hire authority for acquisition jobs

Agencies now have the discretion to decide on their own when shortages exist in key jobs.

Pay & Benefits

Performance Pay: A History

Pay for performance in government isn’t exactly a new concept.

Management

Intern recruitment program finalized

Excepted-service appointments allow agencies to bypass traditional hiring rules.

News

Agencies seek to iron out student loan repayment details

Some are making broader use of authority than others.

News

Report outlines lessons of GAO personnel reforms

Watchdog agency has established market- and performance-based pay system and offered buyouts to longtime employees to become less "top-heavy."