Workforce
Federal Prison Employees Fear Staff Shortages and Mass Reassignments as COVID-19 Cases Spike
"The seams are going to burst," one employee said
Nextgov
DISA Updates Strategic Tech Priorities Through 2022
The defense agency adjusted its long-term cybersecurity and cloud plans to take into account progress and pivots made for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nextgov
NPS Officials Share Fresh Details on Forthcoming Self-Driving Shuttle Pilot
Yellowstone National Park visitors can catch rides on the autonomous shuttles early next summer.
Management
New HHS Policy Requires All Information to Be Released for Upcoming Rules
Experts criticize and question its purpose as the Trump administration winds down.
Management
House Democrat Calls on Labor Authority to Overturn 'Radical' Changes to Legal Precedent
The Federal Labor Relations Authority in recent months has issued several controversial decisions that have sharply shifted the balance of power in labor-management relationships toward agencies.
Route Fifty
Lawmakers Propose $908 Billion Covid Relief Plan in Bid to End Gridlock
A bipartisan group of senators and House members discussed their proposal Tuesday, but congressional leaders suggested they would be moving ahead with their own plans.
Management
Transition Roundup: Advice for Biden Administration Job-Seekers; GAO Launches Transition Resources
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Funds Rebound in November
After months of turmoil, the portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program all shot up in value last month.
Defense
Soldiers Don’t Trust Robot Battle Buddies. Can Virtual Training Fix That?
Allowing soldiers to train their robot wingmen in game environments could be the key to human-machine teaming.
Nextgov
Critical Update: Inside NASA’s Digital Transformation
The space agency’s digital modernization is aimed at augmenting and improving three key mission areas, according to its chief data officer.
Management
How Biden and Kerry Could Rebuild America’s Global Climate Leadership
Kerry’s decades of experience and the international relationships he developed as a senator and secretary of state may give him a chance.
Management
GovExec Daily: Biden's Post-Ascertainment Transition
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss how the incoming administration is connecting with agencies.
Route Fifty
Biden Will Face Limits Reversing Trump-Era Environmental Policies
Environmental groups want to see the president-elect roll back the Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda and make progress on climate and other issues. But major legislation will be tough to pass and revamping rules will take time.
Workforce
Internal Documents Detail Who VA Will Vaccinate First
The Veterans Affairs Department's multi-tiered plan prioritizes delivering COVID-19 inoculations to high-risk staff and patients.
Management
Regulator Finalizes Plan to Enable Larger USPS Rate Hikes
Commission sought to strike balance in rare pricing review as mailers say USPS will drive away business.
Oversight
Watchdog Finds EPA Reopening Plans Largely Follow CDC, But Were Inconsistent
The reopening process, a source of tension between the agency and its union, is a “significant challenge” for EPA, said the report.
Nextgov
DOD Needs Simulations to Shorten Acquisition Timelines, Official Says
Advancements in modeling and simulation technologies will not only help train warfighters, but “revolutionize” design, acquisition, sustainment and test, the official said.
Management
House Leadership Demands Accounting of Political Burrowing, Schedule F Activities
Lawmakers again urge congressional appropriators to block the Trump administration from implementing its executive order that threatens to politicize the civil service.
Route Fifty
‘We Simply Cannot Afford to Wait’: Several States Consider Stimulus Bills
In the absence of a second federal coronavirus relief package, some state leaders are pushing plans to provide stimulus money to individuals and businesses.
Management