Tech
The VA’s Initiative to Recruit Laid Off Tech Workers is Paying Off, Official Says
Ongoing efforts to recruit high-skilled professionals displaced by layoffs across the tech sector are helping to fill a host of tech-related vacancies in the department.
Oversight
Burning Man Sues BLM Over Geothermal Project
The nonprofit behind the festival says that the agency failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act when it ruled in October that the exploration project would have “no significant impact,” meaning it doesn’t require a more rigorous environmental review.
Breaking News
Defense
Pentagon Rescinds COVID-Vaccine Mandate
The move was required by the 2023 defense policy bill. Troops who were ejected for refusing the vaccine may petition for a change in their discharge status.
Workforce
How to Wake up Alert and Refreshed
"There are some very basic and achievable things you can start doing today, and tonight, to change how you awake each morning..."
Workforce
D.C. Wants to Move Beyond COVID-19 Telework. What's Taking The Federal Government So Long?
GovExec Daily staff discusses the ways that the pandemic has changed agency office plans in Washington, D.C.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Should Do More to Prevent Improper FEHBP Payments
The Government Accountability Office on Monday reported that OPM has no fulsome way to monitor the eligibility of participants in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.
Management
The State of Government-Speak in 2022: A Slight Dip in Agency Writing Grades, But Within That ‘A Far More Positive Story’
A nonprofit issued its annual report card on 21 executive branch agencies’ writing quality and organizational compliance with a 2010 law to combat jargon.
Workforce
Clawing Back IRS Funding Is Just the Beginning for Agency Spending Reductions, House Republicans Say
The House on Monday voted to unwind an unprecedented spending surge at IRS and Republicans promised more such efforts are on the way.
Management
Inflation Costs Present Both Barrier, Opportunity For Contractors In 2023
With a fiscal 2023 federal budget in-hand, contractors face both the prospect of a robust year and countervailing cost trends, Deltek says.
Oversight
Interior’s Cyber Practices Allow for Easily Crackable Passwords, Watchdog Finds
An OIG investigation found that the Interior Department has not fully implemented multifactor authentication and that its “outdated and ineffective” password requirements leave employees’ accounts vulnerable to exploitation.
Management
New Year, New You: How to Grow in Your Career in 2023
Andrew Feldman joins the podcast to discuss how managers make improvement a goal for 2023.
Workforce
Supreme Court Justices Seem Skeptical of State Challenge of FLRA’s Jurisdiction Over National Guard Civilians
“Is Ohio just crazy” for repudiating collective bargaining obligations with civilian technicians of the Ohio National Guard, asked one conservative jurist.
Management
The DHS Is Going to Have to Start Buying More Uniforms and Equipment from Small, Domestic Firms
This requirement was included in the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
Management
McCarthy's Deal to Secure the House Speakership Puts Agencies at Risk of Severe Budget Cuts
Republicans will demand non-defense spending cuts of up to 25%, putting Congress on a collision course with a shutdown.
Workforce
How to Unlock Your Creativity – Even if You See Yourself as a Conventional Thinker
New research highlights how anyone can train their creative muscles by rethinking the anxiety, frustration and anger they encounter in daily life.
Oversight
Joe Biden Tours El Paso for First Border Visit of His Presidency
He was greeted by Gov. Greg Abbott upon arrival at the El Paso airport. Abbott has been a chief critic of Biden’s immigration policies and has frequently called on him to visit the border over the past year.
Workforce
Diversity of U.S. Workplaces Is Growing in Terms of Race, Ethnicity and Age – Forcing More Employers to Be Flexible
Employers need good strategies to hire and retain more workers of color and older workers. The mandatory diversity training and requisite skills tests many of them now rely on don’t measure up.
Workforce
Retirement, Savings and Learning from Financial Classes
Sidney and Saundra Curry join the podcast to discuss financial wellness programs can serve public servants.
Defense
What We Know About U.S.-Backed Zero Units in Afghanistan
Deadly night raids. Faulty U.S. intelligence. A “classified” war loophole. Reporter Lynzy Billing’s investigation offers an unprecedented insight into the civilian casualties of Afghanistan’s Zero Units.
Oversight