Oversight
House committee wants FBI headquarters documents outlining Greenbelt decision
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure chairman called for more information from the FBI, General Services Administration and the former official charged with selecting the site of the Bureau’s proposed headquarters about how the decision came to pass.
Tech
Why federal efforts to protect schools from cybersecurity threats fall short
K-12 schools are especially vulnerable to cyberattack because they lack the cybersecurity expertise and funding essential to protecting students' sensitive information.
Management
OPM encourages federal supervisors to make better use of probationary periods
The federal government’s HR agency urged agency managers to remove poor performers before most removal protections kick in, as well work more closely with new employees early in their tenure to help them succeed.
Tech
GSA is at a ‘critical juncture’ to salvage faith in TTS, agency watchdog warns
GSA’s inspector general says that it’s “trying to prevent the next Login.gov” — referencing a bombshell oversight report on GSA’s single sign-on service issued earlier this year.
Management
Biden to require feds to take public transit, other ‘green’ options when traveling
Federal employees should also consider bike sharing or not traveling at all under new guidance.
Pay & Benefits
MSPB finally rules on OPM apportioning the Retiree Annuity Supplement
Starting in 2016, an OPM rule change allowed the divorced spouses of federal retirees to claim a portion of their annuity supplement. Now, after having a quorum for the first time in five years, the MSPB has stepped in to address the rule.
Pay & Benefits
Expanded leave access for veteran feds makes it into defense policy bill
Under a provision of the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, federal agencies would be required to incorporate veterans’ military service when determining eligibility for paid leave.
Tech
TMF’s planned cost savings have been ‘minimal’ in reality, GAO finds
The original intent of the revolving fund anticipated repayments on finished projects replenishing the pool for new ones. In reality, such repayments have been slow and slim.
Tech
Agencies have over 1,200 AI uses planned or in operation, watchdog finds
The massive GAO report found that some agencies — like NASA and the Department of Commerce — have made major investments in artificial intelligence, while others struggled to meet federal requirements.
Pay & Benefits
Supreme Court to hear arguments on federal employee furlough case
The case was significantly delayed as the agency that initially hears federal worker appeals was non-functional for five years.
Management
GSA, FBI still at odds over headquarters selection, while House subcommittee smells ‘a rat’
Officials from the two agencies continued airing their dissenting positions over the Greenbelt site selection of the new FBI headquarters Tuesday, while subcommittee Chairman Scott Perry, R-Pa., found the site’s connection to WMATA incredulous.
Pay & Benefits
Keeping an eye on Schedule F and other proposals to reform federal workforce and pay protections
COMMENTARY | Former President Trump's plan to convert large swaths of federal employees into "at-will" workers may be on ice for now, but he and other GOP contenders have proposed to revive the proposal or institute a more drastic one.
Management
Sonny Hashmi to depart GSA
The head of the Federal Acquisition Service is leaving just before the close of 2023.
Management
House approves bill adding more red tape to agency rulemaking process
The Biden administration opposes a measure requiring Senate-confirmed agency head approval of new regulations, arguing it would create a bureaucratic morass.
Tech
Research institutions must better secure sensitive data from foreign adversaries, experts say
To prevent foreign nations from gaining access to sensitive research data, U.S. institutions need to “have a higher sense of internal security” when it comes to protecting critical information.
Management
USAF cracks down on ‘need to know’ violations in wake of Discord leaks
Wing commander fired, 14 more disciplined after hundreds of documents were posted to a chat platform.
Workforce
House moves to save DHS office, and hundreds of jobs, from elimination
The Senate has just a few months to take action or the office will shutter.
Pay & Benefits
5 highlights of the 2024 Open Season
Open Season for the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program may be over, but it was still filled with new additions and best practices for federal employees and beneficiaries to keep an eye on. Here are some of the highlights.
Tech
GAO to release landmark AI report detailing agency use
The report provides a baseline for the use of artificial intelligence across major non-defense federal agencies and how they are meeting existing requirements.
Management