Workforce
These award-winning feds want to advance science for the public good — and challenge stereotypes about government work
The Arthur S. Flemming awards have been around for more than 75 years and generally recognize civil servants who work in scientific fields.
Management
Here’s how the Trump administration may face pushback from a Democrat-controlled Congress
A House committee's top Democrat is reminding agency heads to preserve all records, as the party draws up its post-midterms oversight plans.
Defense
A Democratic Congress could derail major Pentagon plans and put Hegseth under pressure
Funding fights, investigations and potential impeachment proceedings could reshape the Defense Department’s agenda, putting high-profile initiatives such as the Golden Fleet and Autonomous Warfare Command at risk.
Management
GSA names new acquisition chief after months with acting leader
Jennifer Hill, a former banking executive who joined the agency in February, will lead the Federal Acquisition Service. GSA also named a new head of its public buildings division.
Sponsor Content
When Government Faces Uncertainty, Contracts Provide Context
Turn contracts into actionable intelligence. Discover how government agencies can navigate change, preserve accountability and make smarter decisions with Icertis.
Oversight
IRS workforce issues prominent among watchdog’s FY27 priorities
Even after substantial workforce cuts last year, the IRS's headcount is “consistent with historical staffing” levels. But TIGTA finds these cuts “occurred rapidly and resulted in the departure of many experienced employees.”
Updated
Management
Trump’s federal workforce overhaul faces a new Congress after Democratic wins
At least one federal employee who separated from the federal government since last year will serve in the House.
Oversight
OPM formally ends FEVS in favor of agency-specific surveys
Federal employees and good government groups warn the promulgation of smaller, shorter surveys means agencies will miss out on important information about the health of their organizations.
Sponsor Content
Preparing the Federal Government for the Post-Quantum Era
Prepare your agency for the post-quantum era. Discover how to build cryptographic agility and secure mission-critical systems for the future.
Workforce
‘Exit survey’ of former feds finds fears of civil service politicization under Trump — and many willing to return to their agencies
While the Office of Personnel Management has argued that most of the 2025 federal workforce separations were voluntary, academic researchers countered that many of the departing civil servants reported they felt forced into resigning.
FEATURED INSIGHTS
Management
USDA asks judge to lift employee relocation stay that ‘significantly hinders’ its operations
The Forest Service says a court's stay prevents it from filling “critical" positions to address wildfires and avalanches. USDA’s research division warns further delays could mean "discontinued employment” for staff.
Tech
Companies warn cyber threat sharing could suffer without new legal protections
A coalition of 35 industry groups is pressing Congress to extend liability safeguards for businesses that share cyberattack data with federal agencies, with the current stopgap set to expire next month.
Pay & Benefits
Most TSP funds decline again in October
Just two of the core portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program finished last month in the black.
TSP TICKER
FUND
G
F
C
S
I
NOV 04 CLOSE
$20.3611
$20.8647
$124.1394
$113.0857
$63.5477
DAILY CHANGE
0.0028
0.0877
1.9320
0.9755
1.0328
THIS MONTH (%)
0.06
0.27
1.44
1.31
1.27
FUND
L 2070
L 2060
L 2050
L 2040
L 2030
L INCOME
NOV 04 CLOSE
$14.4343
$24.3583
$46.4340
$75.1032
$63.4716
$31.1522
DAILY CHANGE
0.2134
0.3600
0.5810
0.8295
0.5191
0.1425
THIS MONTH (%)
1.35
1.35
1.14
1.01
0.76
0.44
FUND
NOV 04
CLOSE
CLOSE
DAILY
CHANGE
CHANGE
THIS
MONTH
MONTH
G
$20.3611
0.0028
0.06
F
$20.8647
0.0877
0.27
C
$124.1394
1.9320
1.44
S
$113.0857
0.9755
1.31
I
$63.5477
1.0328
1.27
L 2070
$14.4343
0.2134
1.35
L 2060
$24.3583
0.3600
1.35
L 2050
$46.4340
0.5810
1.14
L 2040
$75.1032
0.8295
1.01
L 2030
$63.4716
0.5191
0.76
L INCOME
$31.1522
0.1425
0.44
Oversight
Musk is the target of a new Democratic bill to curtail political donations from federal contractors
While government contracting companies are already barred from making campaign contributions, a new measure would extend that prohibition to the corporations’ leaders.
Tech
VA physicians’ and dentists’ association urges pause in new health record system rollouts
The group wants independent patient safety reviews and fixes at facilities already using Oracle Health before VA moves ahead with more deployments.
Tech
Trump’s AI chatbot conversations may have to be preserved as presidential records
Two top House Democrats are pressing for records of the president’s AI use, raising questions about how the administration documents its reliance on chatbots.
Updated
Management
State Department seeks mid-career hires to join its ranks after widespread layoffs
The Lateral Entry Pilot Program marks State’s latest step to rebuild its workforce. Employees it laid off last year haven’t had much luck in the hiring process.
Tech
Ex-government tech leaders pitch new vision for America.gov
The proposal goes beyond a single online portal, calling for changes to the underlying systems that determine eligibility and enroll people in federal and state benefit programs.
Workforce
The census shows what government does well — and what political interference could break, author argues
A university researcher who embedded in the Census Bureau ahead of the 2020 national headcount warns in a new book that President Donald Trump’s federal workforce reforms, paired with decades of “Jenga politics,” could put the next census at risk.
Management
OPM is ending a promotion rule, but agencies still have work to do
COMMENTARY | A former federal HR chief argues that managers need to pay closer attention to who gets the assignments and experience that make employees competitive for promotion.
Pay & Benefits
More Medicare questions? Here’s what federal retirees need to know
Got questions about HSA contributions, TRICARE For Life or keeping FEHB or PSHB when you enroll in Medicare? Here are answers to help you navigate the details of your federal health benefits.
Tech
DHS personnel leak exposes contact details and sensitive job information
A group calling itself the Department of Peace claimed responsibility for obtaining records on more than 41,000 employees and contractors, citing opposition to immigration enforcement.
Exclusive
Management
USDA sends more relocation notices, seemingly in violation of court order
A court-ordered stay prohibits USDA from issuing or enforcing "any other notice or directive of reassignment or relocation in whole or in part."
Management
Underused federal office data incomplete but improving
The Government Accountability Office wrote that gaps in USE IT Act data are giving agencies an incomplete understanding of the state of their real estate footprint.
Workforce
Mediation agency finalizes rule allowing denial of arbitrator requests
Union officials said that though the final rule is an improvement over the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service’s initial plan, it still improperly usurps arbitrators’ authority.
