GovExec.com: The Workforce News http://www.govexec.com GovExec.com is government's business news daily and the premier Web site for federal managers and executives. en-us Copyright 2009 by National Journal Group Inc. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:05:10 GMT klunney@govexec.com (Kellie Lunney) webmaster@govexec.com (webmaster) GovExec.com: The Workforce News http://www.govexec.com/img/GovExecLogo_red_RSS.jpg http://www.govexec.com 144 22 10 Troubling portrait emerges of Fort Hood suspect http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110609ap1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan fought his deployment to Iraq and argued with soldiers who supported U.S. wars. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110609ap1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43988 webmaster@govexec.com (Brett J. Blackledge, Associated Press Writer) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:03:13 GMT Senate passes bill to provide funding for Federal Executive Boards http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110609ar1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Legislation would codify permanent funding and require agencies to detail senior staff to run the boards. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110609ar1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43996 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:26:21 GMT Federal employees have fewer health insurance choices this year http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110609p1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss As Open Season begins, choices are more limited than before as several plans leave the federal program or reduce their coverage. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110609p1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43998 aparker@govexec.com (Alex M. Parker) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:52:17 GMT Personnel agency cracks down on appointees 'burrowing' in http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110609p2.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Agencies must gain OPM's approval before converting political employees to career jobs at any level, even in nonelection years. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110609p2.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=44000 aparker@govexec.com (Alex M. Parker) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:28:48 GMT Job simulations could help agencies make better hires, report says http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110509ar1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Tryouts also can help applicants decide whether they really want the position. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110509ar1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43980 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:50:26 GMT Postal Service eyes options beyond layoffs and buyouts http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110509l1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Agency is looking at adding retail and other services to boost revenue. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110509l1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43983 elong@govexec.com (Emily Long) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:32:26 GMT Legislators clash over health care reform's impact on FEHBP http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110409ar1?rss=workforce&oref=rss Republicans say bill could force feds out of their current insurance plans, while Democrats decry claims as scare tactics. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110409ar1 http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43972 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:32:23 GMT DEA veteran to lead DHS drug enforcement http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110409kp1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Selection of Grayling Williams signals commitment to interagency coordination. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110409kp1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43968 kpeters@govexec.com (Katherine McIntire Peters) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:43:03 GMT New alliance hopes to spur new talent in procurement field http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110409rb1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Strategic Partnership on Acquisition Recruitment Coalition to focus outreach on university students. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110409rb1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43974 rbrodsky@govexec.com (Robert Brodsky) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:13:23 GMT Army abruptly stops rollout of electronic dental record application http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110309bb1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss E-mails do not offer a reason for the delay, but the service might be considering fielding an internally developed system. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110309bb1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43961 bbrewin@govexec.com (Bob Brewin) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:46:31 GMT Federal charity drive reaches out to young donors http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110309mag1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss The Combined Federal Campaign is expanding options for online giving and establishing a presence on social networking sites, in an effort to attract all age groups. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110309mag1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43962 elong@govexec.com (Emily Long) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:25:59 GMT Critics call TSP mutual fund option risky http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110309p1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss A proposal to allow feds to invest their retirement money into mutual funds is causing heartburn in some lawmakers and unions. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110309p1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43965 aparker@govexec.com (Alex M. Parker) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:48:55 GMT Most TSP funds slip in October http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110209ar1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Despite some losses, all the funds are up since the beginning of 2009 http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110209ar1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43950 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:37:55 GMT OPM chief: 'Cracks are showing' in the General Schedule http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110209ar2.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Options for reform include extending bonuses to rank-and-file employees. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110209ar2.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43957 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:23:30 GMT Uncle Sam tends to federal families' well-being http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110209p1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss The federal government is promoting a family-friendly workplace through popular day care facilities and a growing number of counseling programs. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110209p1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43951 aparker@govexec.com (Alex M. Parker) Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:01:02 GMT Reagan Building's day care center offers range of services to feds http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110209p2.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss A snapshot of Triangle Tots, one of 28 child care facilities in the Washington area that GSA oversees. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1109/110209p2.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43953 webmaster@govexec.com (Compiled by GovExec.com) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:55:20 GMT Hidden cost hikes aren't new to federal benefits programs http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/103009ar1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Premium jumps in the long-term care insurance program are the latest example of stealthy rate increases. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/103009ar1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43930 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:10:48 GMT 18,000 employees accept Postal Service buyout http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/103009l1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss The next deadline for the $15,000 voluntary separation package is Oct. 31. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/103009l1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43926 elong@govexec.com (Emily Long) Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:21:46 GMT House health care tax provisions are friendly to feds http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102909p1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Democratic leaders propose raising revenue by taxing high-income individuals rather than insurers, who could pass on the cost through hikes in FEHBP premiums. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102909p1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43922 aparker@govexec.com (Alex M. Parker) Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:04:18 GMT Forum participants see 'urgency' in hiring reform http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102809ar1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss House majority leader also calls for overhaul of federal pay system. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102809ar1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43915 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:22:39 GMT From Nextgov.com: VA will turn to a contractor to reduce backlog of GI educational benefits http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102809bb1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Solicitation is the department's latest effort to process what officials call an unprecedented volume of claims. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102809bb1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43913 bbrewin@govexec.com (Bob Brewin) Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:12:06 GMT President signs bill repealing Defense personnel system http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102809p1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Signing ceremony coincides with release of GAO report criticizing Pentagon's approach to pay for performance. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102809p1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43911 aparker@govexec.com (Alex M. Parker) Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:38:31 GMT Unions express concern over new draft of labor-management order http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102709ar1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Proposal backs away from requiring agencies to bargain over broader set of work rules. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102709ar1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43892 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:48:27 GMT Rain doesn't deter feds from fitness campaign kickoff http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102709p1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Hundreds flock to the National Mall to exercise with football stars and administration officials. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102709p1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43893 aparker@govexec.com (Alex M. Parker) Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:11:32 GMT OMB calls for 5 percent growth in civilian acquisition workforce http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102709rb1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Administration also addresses ways to reduce risky contract types and increase competition. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102709rb1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43890 rbrodsky@govexec.com (Robert Brodsky) Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:30:10 GMT Cooking classes teach feds the ingredients of a strong immune system http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102609l1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss A popular how-to series helps employees prepare foods that will prevent cancer and other diseases such as diabetes. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102609l1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43875 elong@govexec.com (Emily Long) Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:16:57 GMT Prospects for higher federal raise remain murky http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102609p1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Many feel pay parity is unlikely, given the ailing economy and a military hike that seems out of reach for civilian agencies. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102609p1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43882 aparker@govexec.com (Alex M. Parker) Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:53:13 GMT NSPS repeal could lead to new performance management system, observers say http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102309ar1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Defense authorization legislation calls on Pentagon and OPM to work together on developing an alternative personnel system. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102309ar1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43870 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:15:48 GMT FEHBP open season nears as Congress considers major health care reform http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102309l1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Click here for our guide to Open Season 2009. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102309l1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43867 elong@govexec.com (Emily Long) Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:35:23 GMT OPM extends window for long-term insurance changes http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102209ar1.htm?rss=workforce&oref=rss Enrollees now have until Feb. 15, 2010, to modify their plans. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1009/102209ar1.htm http://www.govexec.com/mailbagDetails.cfm?aid=43857 arosenberg@govexec.com (Alyssa Rosenberg) Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:21:11 GMT