Route Fifty
A Data Tool That Could Help to Target Rental Assistance Programs
A federal order blocking evictions leaves questions about how people will pay back rent when it finally comes due. Rental assistance programs have limited dollars.
Oversight
The Trump Administration Is Backing Out of a $647 Million Ventilator Deal After ProPublica Investigated the Price
The government overpaid by hundreds of millions for Philips ventilators, says a House investigation spurred by ProPublica reporting. Now that deal is off and Congress is scrutinizing other coronavirus deals made by trade adviser Peter Navarro.
Oversight
U.S. Unemployment Data Fail to Capture COVID-19’s Full Impact – Here’s How to Fix It Fast
Slow, unreliable labor force data have consequences for out-of-work Americans and the economy.
Management
Too Many Americans Still Don’t Receive Acceptable Service from Federal Agencies
The government has long struggled with efforts to improve customer service; there are a few positive signs.
Pay & Benefits
GovExec Daily: How the Payroll Tax Change Affects Feds
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss the ramifications of the executive order.
Management
Leaked Census Document Warns of Possible 'Serious Errors' in 2020 Count
The compressed timeframe is forcing the agency to make sacrifices, document shows.
Workforce
New Trump Administration Strategy Leaves Fired Feds Seeking Recourse in Indefinite Purgatory
Select agencies are finding success in allowing firings to persist by arguing appeals board judges cannot legally issue rulings.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Demand Answers on Payroll Tax Deferral, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Pentagon Seeks Input from Workforce on Improving Diversity
The request is part of Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s overhaul of personnel practices.
Nextgov
OMB Starts Clock on Agencies Implementing Policies to Welcome Public Security Research
CISA also released a binding operational directive and will start scanning government systems for the policies when time is up in six months.
Employee Policy
USPS cautions staff on media inquiries
Postal employees are being instructed not to speak to the media, according to leaked memos obtained by Motherboard from postal employees in two districts
Route Fifty
New Federal Eviction Moratorium Covers Most Renters Through the End of the Year
But advocates for both renters and landlords say they want to see more financial assistance as the coronavirus-fueled recession continues.
Management
Now in Government Food Aid Boxes: A Letter From Donald Trump
Democrats say the letter violates the law against using government resources to campaign. It’s just the latest example of President Trump using his office to boost his reelection hopes.
Management
Coronavirus Roundup: FEMA Alters Funding Eligibility; Senators Question Executive Order on Agencies' Drug Purchasing
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
Oracle Loses Another JEDI Appeal
Oracle had argued the Pentagon’s decision to award the contract to a single award was flawed.
Oversight
New Engineering Report Finds Privately Built Border Wall Will Fail
The report, set to be filed in federal court this week, confirms reporting from ProPublica and The Texas Tribune that found portions of the wall were in danger of overturning if not fixed due to extensive erosion just months after it was built.
Tech
Will the New 15-Minute COVID-19 Test Solve U.S. Testing Problems?
The new BinaxNOW antigen test is quick, easy, accurate and cheap. It could solve the U.S. testing problem, but the emergency use authorization only allows people with COVID-19 symptoms to get tested.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: The ODNI Briefings and Congressional Oversight
Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to discuss John Ratcliffe's letter informing Congress that ODNI will no longer provide the in-person briefings on election security.
Route Fifty
Electric Grid Investment on Track to Fall $208 Billion Short Over Next Decade, Civil Engineers Say
The new estimate comes as California, Iowa and Louisiana have all seen significant power outages in recent weeks.
Pay & Benefits