Benefits
OPM streamlines procedures for carrying over leave during emergencies
The Office of Personnel Management is issuing interim regulations to make it easier for agencies to restore annual leave to essential employees whose unused leave was forfeited because of their work in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
Employee Policy
USPS needs better overtime management, watchdog says
Excess overtime is being caused by understaffing, inadequate oversight and data collection errors, according to a new report from the Postal Service’s inspector general.
Management
CDC Keeps New Testing Guidelines Despite State Backlash
If you don’t have symptoms, the CDC says, you don’t need a test.
Workforce
Cognitive Limits Mess up Decisions Based on Chance
Cognitive limitations lead to skewed perception of probability that can cause disastrous decisions, researchers say. But we also compensate to get by.
Tech
GovExec Daily: Updating Legacy IT Systems at Agencies
Nextgov's Mila Jasper and Heather Kuldell join the podcast to discuss the progress of IT system upgrades.
Route Fifty
Signs of Big Growth in Shared Bike and Scooter Trips Before Virus Hit
A new report shows that the number of trips on these “micro-mobility” vehicles was up 60% last year over 2018.
Route Fifty
Sewage Testing on University Campus Identifies Asymptomatic Covid Cases
The University of Arizona tested sewage for the presence of coronavirus and identified two students who tested positive but didn’t have any symptoms for the respiratory illness.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Employees Will Have Payroll Taxes Deferred in Next Paychecks, Processor Says
Trump faces allegations he is using the federal workforce as a 'guinea pig' for a policy that won't impact most Americans.
Management
Agencies Can Improve Hiring Practices on Their Own
They don't need to wait for legislation or support from OPM; they can make key improvements with just a few administrative changes, the Partnership for Public Service reports.
Workforce
Office Created to Protect Whistleblowers and Discipline Senior Execs Is Doing Little of Either
Trump has praised the office, but a new internal report shows it has recommended discipline in just 0.2% of cases.
Nextgov
Pentagon’s Contractor Cybersecurity Program Approaches Testing Phase
The pending non-profit in charge of issuing certifications is moving forward with training for assessors as a key aspect of its arrangement with the Defense Department could be in flux.
Nextgov
The Tech Perspective Kamala Harris Could Bring to the Vice Presidency
Nextgov took a look at the record of Sen. Kamala Harris. D-Calif., on tech issues to see what technology perspective she could bring to the vice presidency.
Nextgov
Algorithms Help Spot Possible Suicidal Intent Among Veterans’ Social Posts
Roughly 17 military veterans die by suicide each day.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: CDC Director Clarifies New Testing Guidance; IRS Expands Use of Electronic Signatures
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Pay
National Finance Center to implement Trump’s payroll tax deferral on fed paychecks
The NFC said it plans to eliminate deductions for Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance in accordance with the president’s Aug. 8 executive order deferring deductions due to COVID-19.
Financial Planning
Survey: TSP remains popular with feds
The latest survey of 5,500 Thrift Savings Plan participants shows that nearly 9 out of ten federal employees said they are happy with it, though satisfaction dipped a bit -- likely because of the fallout from the pandemic.
Management
GovExec Daily: Disaster Management Amid the Pandemic
Former FEMA official Carlos Castillo joins the show to explain how the agency is working emergency management during the COVID-19 crisis.
Management
Trump Promises to ‘Crush’ Coronavirus, Double Down on First-Term Priorities
“We will lead America into new frontiers of ambition and discovery,” the president said of his second term plans during the Republican National Convention.
Route Fifty