Oversight
GSA Failed to Remove Asbestos, Arsenic, Explosives From Missouri Facility for Decades, Report Finds
GSA officials knew about hazardous materials at a former munitions plant turned federal office building but declined to notify employees and other agency tenants or restrict access to impacted areas, substantiating a whistleblower’s allegations.
Route Fifty
SALT Plan Reworked—Again—as Democrats Push Towards Vote
The latest proposal would lift the cap on the state and local tax deduction to $80,000.
Management
COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout for Children Ages 5 to 11 Comes with Familiar Obstacles
White House officials hope to assure hesitant parents and head off misinformation while making sure marginalized communities have access to doses early on.
Defense
Navy Secretary Seeks 3-5% Annual Budget Increases
“I think more members of Congress understand the real threat that China presents,” Del Toro said.
Workforce
Competition Drives the Gender Pay Gap? Maybe Not
New research investigates the theory that women aren't as competitive as men, and that this contributes to the gender wage gap.
Management
GovExec Daily: Questions About the Contractor Vaccine Mandate
Contracting attorney Kelly Kroll joins the podcast to discuss the ways firms are approaching the guidelines.
Route Fifty
House Prepares for Votes on Social Spending, Infrastructure Bills
Paid family and medical leave was introduced to the latest House version of the $1.75 trillion package.
Management
OSHA Vaccine Rule Applies to Postal Service Employees
More information is to come from USPS and its unions.
Defense
Marine Corps Seeks ‘Fundamental Redesign’ to Recruiting, Retention, Careers
Commandant wants to keep young Marines longer, bring in older ones with skills.
Workforce
OPM: Agencies Must Provide Time Off for Feds to Get Their Kids Vaccinated Against COVID-19
The federal government’s HR agency reminded officials that they must provide employees administrative leave to accompany children getting the COVID-19 vaccine, following approval of the vaccine for 5- through 11-year-olds.
Pay & Benefits
An Alphabetical Health Insurance Option
A choice all federal retirees should at least consider this open season.
Management
SBA’s Elias Hernandez on Telework and Distributing Relief During the Pandemic
The agency “has not missed a beat,” and will be updating its policies on remote work for the long haul, says chief human capital officer.
Defense
Zero Religious Exemptions Granted for COVID Vaccines in Air Force, As Deadline Passes
Nearly 5,000 religious exemptions are still pending approval.
Management
Federal Contractor COVID-19 Vaccine Deadline Pushed Back to January
The deadline aligns with the Biden administration’s other new vaccine rules, but is more than six weeks after federal employees are required to receive their shots.
Workforce
OPM Rule Makes It Easier to Hire Recent College Grads
Under a new hiring authority, federal job applicants who graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree within the last two years can be hired outside of the competitive process at up to a GS-11 salary.
Workforce
Sleep ‘Sweet Spot’ May Mean Less Cognitive Decline
A new study in older adults shows people who slept too much or too little experienced greater cognitive decline than those who slept a moderate amount.
Management
GovExec Daily: The Import and Impact of Public-Private Partnerships
Dr. David Van Slyke joins the podcast to discuss paths to innovation and cooperation.
Route Fifty
Moderate Democrats Prevail in Notable Local Races, as a High Profile Police Reform Initiative Fails
But progressives also scored some key wins. Experts caution that off-year elections typically do not serve as a great barometer for the nation's political leanings.
Pay & Benefits
How to Find the Best Health Plan During Open Season
You might even save some money in the process.
Pay & Benefits