Nextgov
Federal Data Strategy Deadlines Shift Due to COVID-19
The team prioritized some items for the pandemic response but extended other deadlines.
Defense
Fired State IG Was Investigating Saudi Arms Sale
A key House Democrat says that might be why he was fired.
Nextgov
Critical Update: Why the Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Certification Program Inspires Hope and Fear
The Defense Department’s Katie Arrington, and representatives from across the federal contracting community share perspectives on a new era dawning in U.S. cybersecurity policy.
Oversight
Another Private Jet Company Owned by a Trump Donor Got a Bailout — This One for $20 Million
The two private jet companies are among the first 96 airline companies disclosed as recipients of taxpayer funds under the CARES Act.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: Inspectors General and Oversight In the Trump Administration
Katherine McIntire Peters and Courtney Bublé join the podcast to discuss the president's letter stating that he will remove State Department Inspector General Steve Linick from his job.
Colorado Groups Push for Tax Hike on Higher Earners to Help With Budget Shortfall
The temporary income tax increase they’re supporting would apply to households making upwards of $250,000 per year. The state, like others, is facing budget pressures tied to the coronavirus outbreak.
Oversight
Trump’s Decision to Fire the State Department’s Watchdog Draws Bipartisan Concern on Capitol Hill
Some Republicans say the president failed to provide an adequate justification to Congress.
Management
Don't Expect a Single Return-to-the-Office Day for Feds, White House Says
Recalling employees back to offices will vary across agencies and regions based on mission needs, official says.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Announces Upcoming COVID-19 Loans, Withdrawals
New loan and withdrawal options enacted through the CARES Act will become available in June and July, respectively, while officials have noted other options for participants to access their money are already in place.
Texas Allows Evictions to Proceed Again
The state, which like others is experiencing historic levels of unemployment, is one of the earliest to restart eviction proceedings.
Nextgov
HHS Relaxes Data Security and Privacy Enforcement For COVID-19 Test Sites
The agency offered a list of suggested security measures but said it will not be imposing penalties in specific circumstances.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Military Sees Increase in Leave Deferrals; AFL-CIO Sues OSHA for Emergency Standard to Protect Workers
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Oversight
State and Federal Data on COVID-19 Testing Don’t Match Up
The CDC has quietly started releasing nationwide numbers. But they contradict what states themselves are reporting.
Management
Trump Administration Waives Environmental Safeguards to Fast-Track 69 Miles of Border Fence Construction
The White House said in February its goal was to build 450 additional miles of barrier by the end of 2020. The 69 miles would be in addition to a 52-mile project also underway in Webb County.
Defense
Afghanistan Drawdown Continues Despite Violence, Ghani Announcement
The Afghan president said that his side would be resuming “offensive” operations against the Taliban.
Sending Support: Battling Isolation, Seniors Find Comfort in Pen Pals
Senior centers, nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the country have launched pen-pal programs to help older adults battle social isolation created by the coronavirus.
Pay & Benefits
How to Motivate Young Workers to Save For Retirement
Whether you’re a parent or a boss, it’s in everyone’s interest to ensure younger generations are ready for life after work.
Pay & Benefits
GovExec Daily: Recruiting and Retaining During a Pandemic
MSSmedia's Barbara Gretsch discusses how organizations like the New York National Guard can recruit during the coronavirus crisis.
Big Brother in Public Health? New Contact Tracing Tactic Raises Privacy Concerns
Requiring businesses to keep customer logs could undermine the public trust necessary to effectively conduct contact tracing, says one public health expert.
Workforce