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.
Employee Policy
Union: Infrastructure Act would aid public servants
A major employee union, AFSCME—representing nearly a million-and-a-half public servants including thousands of feds—sees real-life improvements ahead for all public servants if the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill becomes law.
Employee Policy
WH orders software protection compliance
The Office of Management and Budget has directed agencies to comply with software supply chain security measures, as set out in a May 2021 cybersecurity executive order.
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
Postal Service Looks to Institute Holiday Surcharge as It Fights to Preserve Permanent Price Hike
USPS also finalized its plan to slow-down some mail delivery just two days before surcharge would take effect.
Route Fifty
Challenges Ahead for $3.5T Budget Bill After Senate Approval
Disagreements over the cost of the budget bill among Senate Democrats could slow progress on a separate infrastructure package headed to the House.
Pay & Benefits
Groups Push for End to Justice Dept. Pay Gap, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Tech
GovExec Acquires Contracting Intelligence Firm
The media company announced it has acquired Arlington, Virginia-based GovTribe.
Nextgov
How DHS and a National Lab Aim to Advance First Responders’ Drug Detection
As opioid abuse rises, government officials are engaging with states and industry to improve tech used to spot narcotics.
Special Report
Defense
Climate Change Is Already Disrupting the Military. It Will Get Worse, Officials Say
Even as wildfires drain National Guard resources, the Pentagon is racing to develop computer models that can better guide decisions about sustainability efforts.
Workforce