Nextgov
Lawmakers Want IGs to Include Telework Vulnerabilities in Upcoming FISMA Audits
House Oversight Committee leaders want to know what vulnerabilities remote-access software introduced and whether agencies mitigated them.
Route Fifty
State and Local Employment Remains Stubbornly Down
There's been some improvement in recent months, but there are still about 1.2 million fewer state and local public sector jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels. Most losses are in education.
Nextgov
Deputy Defense Secretary Outlines Responsible AI Tenets in New Memo
Kathleen Hicks also designated the JAIC director to lead a working council charged with writing a responsible AI strategy.
Defense
Biden: Government Must Draft Anti-Corruption Plan by December
Analysts hailed the memo’s designation of corruption as a national security threat and its deadline for action.
Nextgov
Report: Nearly Half of Popular Federal Websites Fail Accessibility Tests
The report follows legislation and policy efforts undertaken by the government to improve accessibility efforts.
Management
Going Beyond ‘Back to Normal’ – 5 Research-Based Tips for Emerging from Pandemic Life
After more than a year of idealizing life without COVID-19, people are starting to reenter "normal" life. Clinical psychology provides guidance on how to prepare for your post-pandemic reboot.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: The Hiring Possibilities in Biden's First Budget
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss the big takeaways from the president's blueprint.
Nextgov
IG: CISA-Run Monitoring Program Has Not Improved DHS’ Cybersecurity Posture
The department’s inspector general also found vulnerabilities in the department’s technology due to poorly defined patch management roles and configuration settings.
Management
USPS Projects Continuing Mail Delays, Setting Targets Well Below Historical Standards
As Postmaster General Louis DeJoy seeks to implement reforms and justify changes, he once again finds himself on the hot seat.
Pay & Benefits
See If You Can Pass the Retirement Readiness Test
An assessment of your preparedness level.
Route Fifty
Cities and States Scramble to Get Aid to Renters as Federal Eviction Ban Nears Its End
Some states and localities are extending their eviction moratoriums as they try to distribute billions in federal rental assistance. When to let the bans lapse is a pressing question.
Management
Biden Administration to Grant TSA Employees Full Collective Bargaining Rights, Better Pay
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas ordered Transportation Security Administrator David Pekoske to align employees’ rights with those enjoyed by the vast majority of federal workers, including access to the General Schedule pay system.
Management
Agencies Recognize LGBTQ+ Employees During Pride Month
This fits into the Biden administration’s overall goal of advancing equity and diversity.
Defense
Austin Asks Top General For ‘Options’ to Evacuate Afghans
Operation would need authorization from White House, which is not yet “actively pursuing” the idea.
Workforce
How to ‘Build Back Better’ Health Habits after the Pandemic Year
A doctor offers tips on how to safely get exercise, sleep and drinking habits back into shape as the pandemic wanes.
Nextgov
Bipartisan Bill Would Elevate Federal Customer Experience
The legislation would also create a chief customer experience officer for the federal government.
Management
Restoring Trust in Government One Customer at a Time
Improving trust will require more than just improving services to citizens, but it’s a critical start.
Management
Overcrowded U.S. National Parks Need a Reservation System
It's hard to preserve national parks "unimpaired," as US law directs, when they're overrun with tourists who stray off paths, strew trash and harass wildlife. A parks scholar calls for crowd control.
Pay & Benefits
GovExec Daily: The Pay Raise in Biden's New Budget
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss the workforce aspects of the blueprint.
Route Fifty