Tech

DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies

The Homeland Security Department’s Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan focuses its investment the next seven years on AI, cybersecurity, biotech and more. 

Oversight

Watchdog calls out EPA for continued cybersecurity concerns

The EPA has still not implemented GAO’s 2019 recommendation to develop a process for conducting an organization-wide cybersecurity risk assessment. 

Pay & Benefits

L Funds: A Love Affair

COMMENTARY | For these “set it and forget it” funds, “setting it” may require a bit more work than matching your birth year to the “right” fund.

Updated Workforce

Supreme Court rules in favor of federal employee in furlough case

Feds may have more leeway on timing when appealing their employment cases to federal courts.

Workforce

New regulation would allow some former feds to skirt conflict-of-interest contact requirement

A rule proposed in the Federal Register would allow for former senior employees of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response to have contact with HHS officials within the conflict-of-interest restriction period of one year. 

Tech

DOD, VA need more data on how their toxic exposure tracking app is used, watchdog says

A report from the Government Accountability Office found that oversight of the joint system for centralizing toxic exposure records has fallen off, despite a growing influx of PACT Act-related claims.

Workforce

Space Force inches closer to classified remote work

The platform could be a popular remote-work solution for Space Systems Command.

Workforce

New analysis shows U.S. staff are underrepresented at the UN

Despite being the top contributor to the United Nations, the GAO found that the number of American citizen employees at certain agencies fell short of geographic representation targets set by the international organization.

Workforce

Agencies’ best tool in closing talent gaps: Diversity, equity and inclusion

COMMENTARY | By keeping DEI at the heart of recruitment and retention strategies, government leaders can address some of the complex challenges our country faces day in and out.

Management

VA says it's seeing more patients than ever and cutting wait times for them

Staffing and productivity gains will allow VA to continue functioning more efficiently while avoiding burnout, official says.

Oversight

Is the strategic national stockpile ready for the next emergency? GAO says no.

A new GAO report says HHS hasn’t resolved issues that were exposed when states tried to request stockpile supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Defense

Memorial Day: A Reminder of Sacrifice and Vigilance

COMMENTARY | "It's not just a time to remember those who have died in service to our country; it is a time to reflect on the principles they fought to protect," writes one veteran. 

Management

Investing in job skills pays off

COMMENTARY | Well-defined competencies are tools that help managers provide useful feedback.

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.

Pay & Benefits

Problem Solvers Caucus throws its weight behind an effort to kill the windfall elimination provision

Some lawmakers have spent years garnering support to repeal a controversial tax rule that cuts Social Security benefits for some public servants.

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.

Exclusive Management

Lawmakers are asking the USPS regulator to block DeJoy's latest price hikes

USPS is pursuing its largest rate increases since Louis DeJoy became postmaster general.

Workforce

OPM’s new acting director defends federal telework, anti-Schedule F regulations

Rob Shriver defended the Biden administration’s workforce policies, citing new data suggesting fewer federal employees telework than their private sector counterparts.