Route Fifty
Virus Testing in Nursing Homes is Still a Stumbling Block, Experts Say
New estimates show the testing could cost over $1 billion a month nationwide. The virus has claimed a disproportionate number of lives in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Oversight
Senators Make Bipartisan Push to Expedite Hiring for Workers to Oversee Pandemic Response
Measure would ensure special investigator has proper resources in light of Trump's recent IG firing spree, senator says.
Route Fifty
A Ranking of City Park Systems—While Parks Are More Important Than Ever
The national index ranks large city park systems on a number of metrics, including how many residents can walk to the nearest one.
Management
Finally With a Quorum, Federal Election Commission Faces ‘Extensive Backlog of Cases’
The nation’s campaign finance watchdog gets back to work after being hamstrung the last eight and a half months.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Advisory Group Finds Feds Are Paid 26.71% Less than Private Sector Counterparts
In their annual report, members of the Federal Salary Council recommend updates to datasets used in determining a region’s eligibility to become a locality pay area.
Management
It’s Time to Recognize Employees Are Stakeholders in Good Government
The fact is, employees want their organization to be successful. They want to help sustain that success, and they want their value recognized.
Nextgov
Contact Tracers Don’t Need Your Social Security Number or Bank Info, FTC Warns
A new text scam uses coronavirus-response efforts as cover to pump victims for financial information.
Nextgov
HHS Proposes ‘IT Control Tower’ to Manage Strategic National Stockpile
The proposal is part of a larger strategy to incorporate the manufacturing, distribution and point-of-care sectors.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: IRS to Bring Back More Employees; Census Outlines Plan to Resume Field Operations
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Senate Intel Panel Advances Ratcliffe Nomination In Party-Line Vote
The former Texas prosecutor is a deeply controversial pick for the nation’s top spy.
Management
The VA Grand Challenge: Looking for Love in The Wrong Places
To solve a problem as complex and critical as veteran suicide, throw out the procurement playbook.
Oversight
Wedding Planner, Caterer, 'Brand Builder': Trump’s Food Aid Program Is Paying $100+ Million to Unlicensed Dealers
Contractors with no experience in food distribution are looking for suppliers on Facebook while some food banks scramble to find desperately needed deliveries.
Management
GovExec Daily: How Feds See the Coronavirus Response
Government Business Council's Daniel Thomas joins the podcast to discuss the results of the audience surveys of Defense One and Government Executive readers.
Oversight
Lawmakers Press GSA on Trump Hotel’s Request for Financial Relief During Pandemic
This comes as a federal appeals court revives an Emoluments Clause lawsuit involving the hotel.
Management
VA Union Seeks Injunction Against Impasses Panel
Among other things, the American Federation of Government Employees argues that the panel, currently composed of anti-labor activists, violates statutory requirements that it be impartial.
Route Fifty
White House Open to Loosening Rules for State and Local Aid Funds, Mnuchin Says
The Treasury Secretary also clashed with Sen. Sherrod Brown over how well-prepared the nation is currently to limit coronavirus risks as the economy begins to reopen.
Workforce
USPS Tests New Ways to Protect Employees From Coronavirus
Agency is seeking to ensure safety as many of the 17,000 workers it has quarantined return for duty.
Route Fifty
Weddings Move Online in the Age of Coronavirus
Cities and states across the country are allowing couples to obtain marriage licenses online and, in some places, get married via video conference.
Management
Veterans Benefits Administration May Be Having Its Best Year Ever
Despite having to make operational changes, the agency has exceeded performance targets set before the pandemic.
Workforce