Route Fifty
A Burnout Crisis Hits Government
COMMENTARY | A soon-to-be released survey reveals some surprising findings about local and state public sector employees’ struggles and how helping them feel connected to each other can reduce burnout.
Management
Nine Major Takeaways From the Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Packages
Funding boosts and hiring pushes are coming for many federal agencies.
Nextgov
No Failures in Latest FITARA Scorecard But 5 Agencies Slip
In a first, every agency got an A on at least one metric. But a new column on telecom transition brought several agencies down.
Management
Transition Roundup: Top Democrat Questions Trump’s Records Preservation; McConnell Promises Votes on Biden’s Nominees
Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Lockheed’s Proposed Aerojet Rocketdyne Purchase Sets Early M&A Test for Biden
The new administration will weigh in on a further consolidation of the U.S. defense industry.
Management
Viewpoint: Federal Workers Need to Know Their Anti-Gag Rights
Whistleblower rights supersede speech restrictions, and any gag orders that neglect to spell that out are illegal.
Management
It's Time to Rethink Employee Performance Management
The Trump administration’s plan to link layoffs to performance ratings is not credible because the ratings themselves are not credible.
Management
Why Retired Generals Rarely Lead the Pentagon
President-elect Joe Biden's intent to nominate a recently retired general to lead the Pentagon would require an exception to federal law.
Tech
GovExec Daily: What We Know About the Massive Hack
Nextgov's Frank Konkel joins the podcast to discuss the data breach affecting agencies and contractors.
Nextgov
Massive Hack Roundup: Attorney General Pins Intrusion on Russia
Here are the news and updates you may have missed.
Route Fifty
One-Month Eviction Moratorium, $25 Billion in Rental Aid in Covid Bill
Housing advocates applauded the inclusion of the emergency rental assistance and eviction moratorium extension in the federal relief package, but said the incoming Biden administration will have to do more.
Pay & Benefits
Spending Agreement Would Allow 1% Pay Raise, Fails to Ban Schedule F
Provision in the fiscal 2021 omnibus appropriations bill would give feds until the end of next year to repay payroll taxes deferred by the Trump administration from September through December.
Oversight
Groups Request Reminder of Federal Employees’ Whistleblower Rights
They are concerned agency heads could be scaring employees away from disclosing wrongdoing.
Route Fifty
'A Lost Generation:’ Community Colleges Report Record Enrollment Declines
New data shows total enrollment decreased by more than 10% since last fall, with the most precipitous drop seen with first-year students.
Nextgov
VA Plans Poop Pilots to Detect COVID-19 Outbreaks at Nursing Homes
The Veterans Affairs Department will test wastewater for early indications of infection among residents, who can then be quarantined to limit the spread to others.
Management
Transition Roundup: Biden Says COVID Deal is ‘Just the Beginning,’ Barr Advises Next AG
Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Trump Officials Deliver Plan to Split Up Cyber Command, NSA
An end to the “dual hat” arrangement has been debated for years — but the timing raises questions. The plan requires Milley's certification to move ahead.
Defense
Space Force Troops Get a Name: ‘Guardians’
VP Pence revealed the moniker for Trump’s oft-teased newest military service branch to stand alongside soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines.
Management
Planning a Holiday Dinner? Thank a Federal Food Inspector
The head of the Food Safety and Inspection Service explains how the agency has worked to support employees during the pandemic, so they can support you.
Workforce