Workforce
Second Agency Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Some Civilian Employees
Nearly 400,000 feds are now facing a requirement to receive their shots as the Delta variant surges.
Nextgov
GSA, Executive Councils Seek Vendor to Improve Transparency in IT Acquisition
The new Governmentwide IT Transparency Professional Support Services contract will assist a wide swath of GSA’s tech-focused offices, as well as all the federal executive councils.
Defense
Veterans Push for Medical Marijuana in Conservative South
North Carolina claims to be the “Nation’s Most Military Friendly State.” Now veterans are trying to capitalize on this dedication to the troops to persuade lawmakers to pass medical marijuana legislation. It’s an advocacy model that has led to success for pro-cannabis efforts elsewhere.
Tech
GovExec Daily: EPA Policy and Science in the Biden Administration
Eric Katz joins the show to discuss how the agency says that it encourages open collaboration among employees, while some scientists have reported the opposite.
Route Fifty
What Works? Evidence and Evaluation Key as States and Localities Spend Aid
The federal government is urging states and localities to study the results of their American Rescue Plan Act spending and to adopt programs with proven track records.
Workforce
Court Deals Yet Another Blow to Firing Reform Law
Thousands of workers may now have a new avenue to getting their jobs back.
Nextgov
White House Memo Orders Agencies to Identify Critical Software
The memo follows up President Joe Biden’s executive order in May.
Workforce
Judge Dismisses Most of Abuse Victims’ Lawsuit Against AFGE Officials
After describing claims against individual AFGE officials over their inaction to stop former President J. David Cox’s sexual abuse as not “viable,” a federal judge preserved only four claims against the union and Cox himself.
Pay & Benefits
Why Does it Take So Long to Get Your Benefits?
It’s a paper-intensive process, and mistakes can cause delays.
Nextgov
Space Force’s Innovation Hub Announces Solicitations in the Works
SpaceWERX kicks off with a virtual event to find cutting-edge space tech from companies that are new to working with the government.
Defense
Spacesuits and Lawsuits Put 2024 Moon Landing in Jeopardy
Two lunar-exploration spacesuits won’t be ready, a new report says, while bid protests have held up work on the lander.
Workforce
VA Adds 245K Employees to COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
The vast majority of Veterans Health Administration staff must receive the shots or risk being fired.
Workforce
Senate-Approved Infrastructure Bill Would Raise Wildland Firefighter Pay
The bill also would increase the number of full-time federal firefighters.
Oversight
Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Services So Many Seniors Need?
When the program began half a century ago, backers believed the benefits would expand over time, but politics and concerns about money have stymied most efforts. Now congressional Democrats are looking to add vision, dental and hearing care.
Defense
US Army Picks Naval Special Agent to Lead Investigative Command
The first appointment of a civilian director is part of a restructuring prompted by the Fort Hood review.
Defense
As Delta Variant Spreads, Trade Shows Impose Mask Mandates
The Association for the U.S. Army said it will not limit attendance unless required by the local government.
Management
Complicity and Silence around Sexual Harassment Are Common – Cuomo and His Protectors Were a Textbook Example
Four scholars who study the role witnesses play in helping and protecting harassers say the role played by many in Cuomo’s office fit a pattern of silence, complicity and intimidation.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Diversity and the Importance of Data Collection
Courtney Bublé talks to diversity officers from four different agencies about the ways to encourage DEI in government.
Defense
Defense Leaders Can Mitigate Telework Risks
Remote work promises to make the workforce more responsive and efficient, but it also presents significant security challenges, a former ODNI cyber chief says.
Management