Nextgov
Hearing on Hack Prompts Call for Review of Government’s Cloud Procurement
A key lawmaker highlighted a profit motive for “basic” cybersecurity as problematic following an exchange with Microsoft President Brad Smith.
Management
Biden’s Straight-Talking CDC Director Has Long Used Data to Save Lives
Dr. Rochelle Walensky said scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were "muzzled" and "diminished" by the Trump team, especially during the pandemic. She aims to fix that.
Management
Texas National Guard Deployed to Get COVID-19 Vaccines to Older Texans Who Are Homebound
Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants the majority of Texans who are 65 and older to be inoculated against COVID-19 by the end of March. He said the state could announce more eligibility for the vaccines next month.
Pay & Benefits
House Panel Advances Measure to Boost Hiring, Bonuses at State Department
There is bipartisan support for the first State Department authorization bill in nearly two decades.
Management
African American Federal Executive Association Builds a Pipeline of Talent for Senior-Level Jobs
A group leader says she is feeling optimistic about what’s to come under President Biden.
Management
Past Marijuana Use Is No Longer a Disqualifier for a Federal Job
As more states legalize marijuana, the federal government’s HR agency said agencies can hire people who have used the drug, provided there is “evidence” the candidate will not use it anymore.
Route Fifty
House Passes $1.9 Trillion Covid Response Bill
The legislation includes $350 billion in direct aid for state, local, and tribal and territorial governments.
Management
Lawmakers and Professional Association Call for Extension of COVID Leave Reimbursement Provision for Contractors
CARES Act section allowing flexibility for agencies to reimburse contractors for sick or paid leave is set to expire next month.
Nextgov
DISA Tech Programs Paved the Way for DOD Mass Telework
Two Defense Department officials pointed to culture as a key challenge counteracting innovation.
Oversight
What’s in the $1.9 Trillion Pandemic Relief Package
The legislation, being considered by the House this week, has a number of measures that aim to incorporate racial and gender disparities as they address the coronavirus pandemic and economic struggles.
Management
GovExec Daily: Cabinet Progress and the Tanden Nomination
Courtney Bublé joins the show to discuss how President Joe Biden's nominees – including his controversial OMB pick – have fared so far.
Management
Biden's Postal Board Nominees Unlikely to Spell Quick End to Postmaster General's Tenure
The president's picks are probably not going to vote to remove DeJoy and are knowledgeable on postal issues, observers say.
Route Fifty
Feds Up Share of FEMA Grants That Must Be Spent on Cybersecurity
The Department of Homeland Security is also evaluating the possibility of a new grant program to help states and localities fund cybersecurity upgrades.
Oversight
Watchdog: Prisons Bureau Could Do a Better Job Using Data to Help With Hiring, Retention
Advice comes as a House bipartisan caucus on BOP reform is relaunched.
Management
How to Make Federal Telework Work Beyond the Pandemic
The administration needs a strategy that empowers employees and helps agencies deliver on their missions.
Management
Biden Rescinds Memo Granting Defense Secretary Authority to Ban Unions
Last year, then-President Trump granted the Defense secretary authority to strip Pentagon employees of their rights to bargain collectively, although it was never acted upon.
Pay & Benefits
A Perennial Health Insurance Conundrum
FEHBP, Medicare and the difficulty of predicting the future.
Route Fifty
Illinois Becomes First State to Abolish Cash Bail
Judges will instead use a risk assessment tool to determine a defendant's fitness for release. The change is part of a broader criminal justice reform bill Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed this week.
Nextgov
VA Wants Help Creating a ‘Strategic Planning Ecosystem’ to Guide IT Modernization Efforts
A contractor will support the development of several strategic plans for the Office of Information Technology.
Workforce