Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Booster Shots Coming; State Outlines Certification Process for Employees
Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
Agencies Must Set Up COVID-19 Testing for Unvaccinated Feds In-House or Through a Contractor
Employees must receive their test through agency-sanctioned means and may face punishment if they refuse.
Nextgov
NASA Wants Industry to Build Next-Generation Space Stations
The space agency is looking to industry to design and build destinations in space that can be used for tourism and science-based missions.
Defense
An Afghan American Scholar Describes His Fear-Filled Journey from the Chaos at Kabul Airport to a Plane Bound for Home in the U.S.
Hanif Sufizada got caught in Kabul as the Taliban took over. A scholar and resident of the US who works at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, Sufizada describes his experience trying to leave.
Defense
‘Cannot Ensure Safe Passage’: U.S. Tells Americans in Kabul to Get to Airport On Their Own
Biden says U.S. forces may have to stay past Aug. 31 to help evacuate stranded personnel.
Oversight
Republicans Seek Briefing from Afghanistan Reconstruction Watchdog
“It is unclear if continued U.S. assistance would find its way into the hands of terrorists and be used to finance attacks on Americans,” GOP members wrote.
Management
Analysis: As Colorado River Basin States Confront Water Shortages, It’s Time to Focus on Reducing Demand
A long-expected federal drought declaration underlines how serious the Colorado River water shortage has become for Western states.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: OPM Makes It Easier For Agencies to Hire Interns
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss new Office of Personnel Management regulations.
Management
Biden Announces Pick to Lead the National Park Service
If confirmed by the Senate, Charles Sams III would become the first permanent leader in the position in over four years.
Route Fifty
States Turn to Recruiting and Retention Bonuses for Police
Florida’s governor was the latest to propose such a perk, as law enforcement agencies across the country struggle to find and keep officers.
Pay & Benefits
Another Vaccination Incentive for Feds, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Workforce
Biden Proposes Dramatic Hiring Surge in Asylum Workforce as Part of Immigration Overhaul
The administration is looking to more than double the number of asylum employees as it shifts responsibilities between agencies.
Management
‘All the Signs Have Been There’ Predicting Afghan Security Force Collapse, IG Says
For more than a decade, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has been warning about “ghost soldiers” and corruption to anyone willing to pay attention.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Firefighters to See Pay Increase Next Week
The pay raise, intended to ensure firefighters receive at least $15 per hour, was promised by President Biden earlier this year and will be retroactive to June 30.
Nextgov
Background Check Agency Wants a Social Media Search Tool
The Defense Department office charged with investigating potential insider threats wants to use social media to add context to allegations.
Management
CDC to Launch New Disease Forecasting Center
The organization, funded by the American Rescue Plan, will focus on predicting outbreaks and sharing information about them.
Nextgov
California Lawmakers Call for NOAA-Led Research Testbeds to Study and Stop Wildfires
The legislation would commit $15 million to such a pursuit in fiscal 2022.
Management
Federal Vaccine Program Hasn’t Helped Those Whose Lives Were Altered by COVID-19 Shot
A national vaccine court has paid out billions to families who could prove their kids were injured by vaccines. But there’s only a skeletal program for the rare victims of covid vaccination, raising concerns as the pressure for mandated shots grows.
Defense
Afghanistan Veterans Struggling With News of Taliban Takeover
Advocates encourage veterans to use VA, veteran service organization resources for help.
Defense