Tech

From Delta to Omicron, Here’s How Scientists Know Which Coronavirus Variants Are Circulating in the US

A nationwide genomic surveillance system analyzes positive COVID-19 tests to build a picture of which variants are spreading in the population.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: 2022 Public Sector Workforce Trends

Route Fifty's Andre Claudio joins the podcast to discuss research about strategies and steps that governments can take to be employers of choice.

Nextgov

House FISMA Reform Would Empower Federal CISO With Budgeting Authority

Corresponding Senate legislation doesn’t mention the federal chief information security officer but shares other key elements—including a shorter incident reporting window—with a discussion draft issued by the House Oversight and Reform Committee.

Management

Marijuana Use ‘Remains Relevant, But Not Determinative’ for Security Clearances

The increasing number of states and localities that have decriminalized marijuana prompted a guidance update. 

Workforce

Agencies Must Establish COVID-19 Testing Programs for Certain Unvaccinated Feds and Contractors By Feb. 15

Task force issues new guidance on coronavirus testing for those who report to federal facilities or otherwise interact with the public.

Nextgov

Newly Uncovered Emails Intensify Republican Senator's Unease About DOD’s Cloud Contracts

A senior senator continued a back-and-forth with auditors over the Defense Department's now-canceled JEDI contract.

Defense

A Little Exercise May Ease Gulf War Illness Symptoms

Running just a few times a week could be a powerful tool in getting relief from symptoms related to Gulf War illness.

Management

Coronavirus Roundup: Contracts for COVID Tests Awarded; Pentagon Heightens Restrictions 

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Nextgov

NIST Updates Cybersecurity Engineering Guidelines

Amid constant cybersecurity threats, NIST added more insight for engineers and programmers on how to mitigate system vulnerabilities.

Defense

Marine Amphibious Combat Vehicles Returning to the Water

A tow mechanism problem led to a three-month suspension from waterborne operations.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: Using Postcards to Make People Interact with Government More Easily

Dr. Katerina Linos joins the podcast to discuss how to make customer service more effective in government… in a very low-tech way.

Nextgov

How the Log4j Vulnerability is Forcing Change in Federal Cybersecurity Policy

Officials say agencies have demonstrated more dedication than ever in addressing a bug with astronomical reach, but organizations are at the mercy of product vendors to issue the patches they need to implement.

Management

OPM Issues Guidance on Agency Hiring of Chief Diversity Officers

The memo builds off President Biden’s executive order aimed at improving the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility of federal agencies.

Pay & Benefits

Pay Will Be a Barrier to Rebuilding the Federal Workforce

The General Schedule pay system is too rigid to allow the government to attract and retain employees in today’s tight labor market.  

Defense

Who’s in Charge of US Space Policy?

Space professionals worry the National Space Council is ceding its defense portfolio.

Exclusive Defense

Common Office Desk Phone Could Be Leaking Info to Chinese Government, Report Alleges

Phones by Yealink have been observed sending encrypted messages to Chinese servers three times a day.