Workforce
A 9-Year-Old Case Alleging Discrimination by NASA Can Finally Proceed
An administrative judge last week certified the classes of Black and Asian American employees at the agency, who allege its performance appraisal system discriminates against them, allowing the case to move forward.
Benefits
Podcast: Feds will pay more toward health care premiums
On our partner site GovExec's podcast, Erich Wagner discusses the rising Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premiums.
Employee Policy
National cybersecurity review begins for all levels of government
Answering the survey—based on the cybersecurity framework from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—is mandatory for certain grant recipients.
Employee Policy
Federal watchdogs recognized for their outstanding accomplishments
This week, the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency hosted its 25th annual awards ceremony.
Workforce
The CDC Scientist Who Couldn’t Get Monkeypox Treatment
As a Black man and a senior CDC scientist, William L. Jeffries IV knows a lot about health inequities and infectious diseases in America. Still, it took visits to 3 doctors — and a desperate call to a colleague — for him to get treatment for monkeypox.
Management
The Interior Department Has Released its Body-Camera Policy for Law Enforcement Officers
This is part of the department’s actions to implement an executive order from the president to increase police accountability.
Tech
New Report Shows Significant Improvement in Consumer Cyber Hygiene
Senior administration officials and cybersecurity leaders marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month weighed in on a consumer survey examining how behaviors have changed over the last three years.
Management
Puerto Rico Storm Victims Report Waits of Over 5 Hours on Calls to FEMA
Long hold times contacting the Federal Emergency Management Agency are just one challenge emerging as the nation responds to Hurricane Fiona, which swamped the commonwealth last month, along with Hurricane Ian’s devastating hit to Florida.
Management
The White House Has Raised Contract Spending Goals for Small, Disadvantaged Businesses
The Office of Management and Budget is directing agencies to award at least 12% of all federal contracting dollars to small disadvantaged businesses in fiscal 2023.
Pay & Benefits
Union Chief Slams ‘Remarkably High’ Increase in Health Care Premiums
AFGE President Everett Kelly forecasts higher premiums may worsen the “widespread staffing crises.”
Defense
DISA’s Sweeping New Plan Takes Aim at Data Silos, Mistagged Info
The Pentagon’s IT agency has policy and culture ideas to encourage freer, more secure info-sharing.
Management
GovExec Daily: The Role of SBOMs in Software Contracting
FCW's Chris Riotta joins the podcast to discuss software bills of materials.
Employee Policy
Pandemic watchdog seeks more time, money and authority
The office is floating a draft bill that would keep it open an additional five years, provide more consistent funding and expand the special IG’s jurisdiction.
Employee Policy
VA acquisition workforce are mostly satisfied, despite reported program issues
A large majority of acquisition staff at VA reported, in a recent GAO survey, that they are satisfied in their current positions. This news comes despite continuing issues with the VA’s acquisition programs.
Benefits
Feds will pay 8.7% more toward health care premiums next year
OPM said increased use of health care services, as the COVID-19 pandemic has waned, has led to the sharpest uptick in health insurance premiums in more than a decade.
Employee Policy
Can coworkers prevent ‘quiet quitting’?
"...it is clear that companies can benefit significantly when employees go above and beyond what's required of them."
Oversight
Federal Watchdogs Recognized for Their Outstanding Accomplishments
The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency hosted its 25th annual awards ceremony on Tuesday.
Workforce
Supreme Court Takes Up Case Challenging FLRA's Long-Settled Jurisdiction Over National Guard Civilians
If the court’s conservative majority throws out the long-standing precedent that state national guards must comply with federal sector labor law, more than 20,000 employees could lose their collective bargaining rights.
Oversight
Watchdog Again Pushes GSA to End Contracting Pilot Program
The agency’s inspector general found the Transaction Data Reporting program does not guarantee agencies are getting the lowest contract price alternative.
Management