Author Archive
![Natalie Alms](https://cdn.govexec.com/media/img/cd/2023/07/11/_DSF5347_1/180x180.jpg?1689108122)
Natalie Alms
Staff Reporter, Nextgov/FCW
Natalie Alms is a staff reporter at Nextgov/FCW covering federal technology policy, service delivery, customer experience and the government's tech workforce. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and has written for the Salisbury (N.C.) Post. Connect with Natalie on Twitter at @AlmsNatalie.
Natalie Alms is a staff reporter at Nextgov/FCW covering federal technology policy, service delivery, customer experience and the government's tech workforce. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and has written for the Salisbury (N.C.) Post. Connect with Natalie on Twitter at @AlmsNatalie.
Workforce
DHS wants to go big with its hiring fair this week
The department says it's cutting red tape in government hiring by giving tentative job offers on the spot and starting vetting processes in person.
- Natalie Alms
Management
Exit interview: OMB’s Customer Experience guru Amira Boland
Boland was the first to take on the role of customer experience lead at the White House, and she sees great potential even beyond her departure.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
Senate bill mandating agency chief AI officers gets House companion
The proposal would codify several aspects of AI guidance released by the Office of Management and Budget in guidance this spring.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
What it will take to make Direct File permanent
The IRS will have to grapple with expanding access and capabilities — while also convincing skeptical lawmakers to maintain funding.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
DOJ launches a CX-focused initiative
The first project in the new push is focusing on improving the portals Americans use to report crimes to the Justice Department.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
Tech sees steep cuts in House Republicans’ funding proposal
The Technology Modernization Fund would once again see zero contributions in FY25, though the U.S. Digital Service would get new authority to get reimbursements from agencies under the bill.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
Agencies are on the clock to improve their digital accessibility — here’s how they’re doing so far
Guidance issued last fall set standards and benchmarks for agencies to improve their many public-facing websites.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
IRS makes Direct File permanent
The tool piloted during the recent tax season helped certain taxpayers file online with the government for free.
- Natalie Alms
Management
Inside the Department of Labor’s collaboration with New Jersey to overhaul unemployment programs
A new application for unemployment claims in the Garden State marks the result of a years-long federal effort to help states modernize their jobless aid efforts.
- Natalie Alms
Workforce
CISA would get millions for cyber workforce outreach to underserved communities under new bill
The measure comes amid concerns from cybersecurity officials and professionals over how workforce diversity gaps may threaten U.S. cyber defenses.
- Natalie Alms and David DiMolfetta
Oversight
Lawmakers update proposal to cut down on billions in improper payments
Agencies would be required to include details on their anti-fraud controls and fraud risk management work in annual financial reports.
- Natalie Alms
Management
White House procurement office marks 50 years
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy has evolved since its inception to ensure the government is “buying as one,” as demonstrated in a new circular on acquisition data and information issued Tuesday.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
House passes GSA transparency bill to track tech projects
Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said he introduced the bill to respond to the agency's misrepresentations about the capabilities of the government-run digital identity service Login.gov.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
SSA launches a public data hub for customer service goals
The new online portal offers a look at how the agency is doing, as its new commissioner passes his 100-day mark on the job.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
Connolly presses EPA on air quality IT with new bill
Legislation the Virginia Democrat introduced Tuesday would codify watchdog recommendations to assess decades-old systems at the EPA.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
States get streamlined access to Treasury’s Do Not Pay system for unemployment
The move comes as federal agencies have worked with states to combat the rise in jobless aid fraud following the pandemic.
- Natalie Alms
Tech
IRS considers the future of its Direct File pilot
The agency hasn’t decided if it’ll field the program long term but does say that user feedback of the tool has largely been positive.
- Natalie Alms
Management
House panel advances bill to make federal contracting easier to understand
The Plain Language in Contracting Act would require agencies to use easy-to-understand language for certain procurement notices pertaining to small businesses.
- Natalie Alms
Management
Bipartisan group looks to push IRS towards simpler math error notices
The IRS MATH Act would require the tax agency to send more specific, straightforward notices when it corrects simple math errors on tax returns.
- Natalie Alms
Management
New rule cements sustainability mandate for federal buyers
A new update to the Federal Acquisition Regulation is meant to help the government meet goals for net-zero procurement by 2050.
- Natalie Alms