Management
A tall task awaits O’Malley at Social Security
If confirmed, the former governor faces a likely uphill battle to lobby Congress for funding and to reverse a decades-long decline in staffing to alleviate workloads for a workforce in crisis.
Management
Here’s what drove a 22% spike in bid protests this year
A single contract garnered more than 350 protests.
Management
DOJ, DHS would get more staffing for children in immigration courts under bipartisan bill
Lawmakers in both parties and chambers are hoping to reduce one of the most significant backlogs in government.
Management
Biden administration plans a multi-agency effort to surge AI recruitment
Officials at the General Services Administration celebrated their forthcoming role to help recruit an AI-fluent workforce across the government, pursuant to the EO’s priorities.
Pay & Benefits
TSP funds’ tumble continues into October
Once again, only one portfolio in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program finished last month in the black.
Pay & Benefits
State and USAID employees abroad face an increased demand and an inadequate supply of mental health resources
The pandemic, war in Ukraine, and a general rise in demand for psychiatric services are some of the reasons the congressional watchdog cited for the strain on mental health resources.
Workforce
OPM head previews coming cyber and IT hiring flexibilities
The personnel agency is also gearing up to recruit AI workers into the government as part of a talent surge called for in the recent AI executive order.
Management
House GOP proposal to link IRS cuts to Israel aid draws quick, bipartisan criticism
House Republicans are so far ignoring Biden's request to link the aid with hiring surges at immigration and border security agencies.
Workforce
The cyber workforce gap is growing
Despite a significant increase in the number of people entering the cyber field in 2023, demand is still far outpacing that supply.
Management
White House tasks several agencies with responding to incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia
The departments of Homeland Security, Justice and Education will all have roles to address what the White House sees as rising discrimination on college campuses.
Tech
NOAA leverages AI for weather forecast translation
The artificial intelligence tool will replace the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s manual process for Spanish and simplified Chinese.
Tech
Agencies get marching orders as White House issues AI-safety directive
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is ordered to draft red-teaming requirements, the National Science Foundation to work on cryptography, and the Homeland Security Department to apply them to critical infrastructure.
Pay & Benefits
What federal annuitants need to know about Medicare Part D for 2024
This upcoming Open Season will be one of the most important in recent years for annuitants to evaluate their existing plan against those that offer Part D coverage.
Management
NOAA leverages AI for weather forecast translation
The artificial intelligence tool will replace the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s manual process for Spanish and simplified Chinese.
Pay & Benefits
TSP: SECURE 2.0 Act contribution limit changes coming in 2026
The federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program will use the entire two-year “transition period” to implement new rules governing how older workers can make catch-up contributions as they approach retirement.
Management
Senate rejects measure to end shutdowns for good, but makes progress on spending bills
Rather than end the threat of shutdowns, Congress is barreling toward a possible one three weeks away.
Pay & Benefits
Senate panel advances measures to overhaul federal workers’ death benefits, agency customer service
The money families of federal workers who die while on the job receive in gratuity and funerary benefits has not been updated since 1997.
Management
OMB should set office space benchmarks accounting for telework reality, GAO says
The watchdog followed up its September testimony on underutilized federal offices to call for the Office of Management and Budget to set the standard for optimizing federal real property portfolios in an increased telework environment.
Pay & Benefits
Time for the fall deadlines
A checklist to help you prioritize as you sort through your federal retirement and insurance benefits.
Workforce