Management
The Marijuana Superweapon Biden Refuses to Use
Legalizing marijuana is extremely popular. So why won’t Joe Biden embrace the idea?
Route Fifty
One City’s Plan to Help Local Businesses by Funding a Cash Rewards Program
As Akron, Ohio grapples with fallout from the coronavirus, the city is working to launch a mobile app where people will earn “blimp” credits for local purchases. The credits can then be used like currency at other area establishments.
Management
Agencies Can Fire Employees Who Improperly Burrow In, Court Rules
Decision upholds OPM's push to oust Obama political appointee holdover.
Oversight
Victims Sue AFGE Over Former President’s Misconduct
A group of former employees, contractors and union members assert that for years, the upper management of the largest federal employee union turned a blind eye to former President J. David Cox’s sexual harassment and abuse.
Oversight
EPA Watchdog To Review the Agency’s Reopening Process
The return to offices during the pandemic has been a source of tension between the agency and its union.
Nextgov
GSA Opens Bids for Largest Governmentwide Small Business Contract to Date
The final request for proposals is out for GSA’s IT services-focused 8(a) STARS III contract, which will have a ceiling of $50 billion.
Nextgov
GSA’s Centers of Excellence Program Would be Codified in Senate Bill
The bill follows a bipartisan counterpart in the House.
Management
OPM Should Take a Lesson From the Army
Making skills and competencies integral to talent management is an effective strategy in every field.
Management
Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Provide $25 Billion to Postal Service
As losses during pandemic mount, senators pitch emergency funds to not "let so vital an agency fail."
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: TSA Sees Major Uptick in Travelers; OSHA Sees Spike in Unsafe Working Condition Complaints
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
U.S. Marine Corps Concludes Its Investigation Into a Fatal 2018 Midair Crash Was Inaccurate
A new review reexamined the December 2018 crash after a ProPublica investigation revealed that Marines had been deprived of adequate training and equipment, and that their repeated pleas for help from superiors before the crash went unaddressed.
Management
He Built a Privately Funded Border Wall. It’s Already at Risk of Falling Down if Not Fixed.
Trump supporters funded a private border wall on the banks of the Rio Grande, helping the builder secure $1.7 billion in federal contracts. Now the “Lamborghini” of border walls is in danger of falling into the river if nothing is done, experts say.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: The Conversations When You Get Back to the Office
Life coach and therapist Asha Tarry joins the podcast to discuss how to navigate communication after a return to the workplace.
Defense
Analysis: Why Soldiers Can’t Claim Conscientious Objection if Ordered to Suppress Protests
The U.S. military can exempt from service those who are religiously or morally opposed to violence. But conscientious objector status won't help soldiers who disagree with specific lawful orders.
Route Fifty
Census Workers to Resume In-Person Visits to Boost Response Rate
About 40% of households have not yet responded to the 2020 census survey and the bureau estimates workers may have to visit 56 million households to follow up.
Nextgov
After Years In Limbo, GSA Cancels $15B Governmentwide IT Contract
The agency rescinded awards on the Alliant 2 Small Business last year, then canceled the solicitation altogether.
Management
House Defense Policy Bill Fixes Parental Leave Loopholes, Preserves Pentagon Collective Bargaining
The House version of the 2021 Defense authorization measure ensures all federal workers have access to the new benefit providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and it also standardizes locality pay between the General Schedule and Federal Wage System pay scales.
Nextgov
CISA Stands to Gain Powers Under Both Versions of the Defense Authorization Bill
An amendment on the Senate-side bill would grant the agency subpoena power over internet service providers.
Oversight
IG: Hurricane Dorian ‘Sharpiegate’ Report Was ‘Delayed, Thwarted and Effectively Estopped’
The Commerce Department denies it obstructed the process of publishing the watchdog’s full findings.
Pay & Benefits