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
Coronavirus Roundup: IRS Adds Phone Operators for Stimulus Check Questions; Congressional Commission Releases its First Report
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
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.
Route Fifty
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.
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