Pay & Benefits
OPM proposes cost-of-living changes for Alaska and Puerto Rico
Alaska workers would see another decrease while Puerto Rico allowances would continue to rise.
Pay & Benefits
Potty parity: First Democrats, then bureaucrats?
Denver convention facility provides more toilets for women to reduce waiting times; legislation is pending in Congress that would mandate a similar approach in federal buildings.
Oversight
U.S. Postal Service tests new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle
The world’s largest civilian fleet owner wants to drive the market for green transportation.
Defense
Security glitch slows early arrivals at Democratic convention
Security officials say they are equipped to handle an influx of attendees on Monday.
Pay & Benefits
Unexcused employee absences on the rise, senator says
Since 2001, nearly 300,000 federal employees have been absent without leave for some period of time, study shows.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Democratic convention shows off technological prowess
AT&T expects to handle more wireless network traffic than any single event in its history.
Oversight
Small biz advocates say change in disclosure process reduces transparency
Registry no longer requires firms to document individual offices’ annual revenue or number of employees in federal contractor database.
Defense
DHS to use controversial fusion centers during conventions
Department will collect and analyze security information that civil libertarians say could violate the public’s privacy.
Pay & Benefits
Defense to probe fairness of pay for performance system
Department is in the early stages of analyzing data from the National Security Personnel System to suss out any disparities based on age, race or gender.
Defense
Homeland Security proposes changes to temporary worker program
New rules aim to streamline procedures for employers, prevent fraud and protect workers.
Pay & Benefits
Opening SAMBA
A venerable health plan, once restricted to law enforcement employees, is now available to all feds and retirees.
Oversight
Equal employment report shows mixed success
Federal workers file fewer complaints, but agencies pay more in damages.
Oversight
Hurricane Fay reminds managers of emergency workforce flexibilities
Direct hiring authority, premium pay for employees are among several options available to agencies during a crisis.
Defense
Air Force seeks steady ground in wake of high-profile blunders
Rebid on major tanker contract and shake-up of top leadership has set back service's agenda.
Defense
Changes to Army's modernization program come amid congressional concern
War pressures in Iraq and Afghanistan prompt the Pentagon to shift long-term strategy of Future Combat Systems.
Defense
Rule change to provide more contracting opportunities for vets
Proposed regulation would allow VA to restrict contracts for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
Pay & Benefits
Silent Treatment
The presidential candidates have been mum on the campaign trail about the future of the federal workforce.
News