Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Trump Directs Agencies to Purchase Drugs Domestically; Democrats Seek More Transparency on Federal Prisons’ Coronavirus Cases
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Top Pentagon Spokesman: No Conclusions Yet On Cause Of Beirut Explosion
Trump has claimed without evidence that the explosion might have been an “attack.”
Employee Policy
Union complaint of 'resistance' talk in the federal workplace dismissed
The American Federation of Government Employees had complained an Office of Special Counsel advisory was chilling federal employees' speech.
Employee Policy
TVA walks back plans to fire U.S. tech workers
The federally owned power company called the plan to fire workers and outsource IT operations as a "disappointing misstep" after the president blasted the move.
Tech
The Raging Competition for Medical Supplies Is not a Game, but Game Theory Can Help
The toll of the pandemic has been worsened because of the shock to the global supply chain, which resulted in shortages of vital medical equipment. Could game theory help?
Management
Federal Bureau of Prisons Spent $3M on Unproven UV Coronavirus Sanitizing Portals
The gates intended to disinfect staff as they enter facilities haven’t been studied enough to know if they are safe or effective, union says in complaint to IG.
Route Fifty
Appeals Courts Split on Whether Trump Administration Can Enforce 'Public Charge’ Rule
A federal appeals court says the rule penalizing immigrants for using public assistance programs can’t be enforced in three northeast states. But another court found the administration can move forward with its new standards.
Nextgov
CISA Finalized Directive on Vulnerability Disclosure Policies, Congressman Says
The binding operational directive would create a legal path for ethical hackers to report website vulnerabilities to government agencies.
Defense
Following Leaks, Pentagon Introduces Mandatory Operations Security Training
But many are still unclear if they have to take it.
Oversight
Lawmakers Look to Further Strengthen Whistleblower Protections
Bills in the House and Senate would ban federal officials from blocking employees from sharing information with Congress, prohibit retaliatory investigations and protect more workers.
Route Fifty
Pets Are Testing Positive for Coronavirus
A dog in Louisiana is the eighth pet in the United States to test positive for the virus that causes Covid-19. It's unlikely that animals can transmit the virus to people, according to the CDC—but they can catch it from their owners.
Nextgov
TSA’s Looking to Rapidly Verify Passengers Without Biometrics or Physical IDs
Prior to the pandemic, hundreds of travelers would attempt to pass through security checkpoints each day without identification.
Pay & Benefits
How Your Benefits Have Changed Recently
To address the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the government has loosened restrictions on several federal employee benefits programs.
Route Fifty
The Escalating Crisis in Police Hiring
COMMENTARY | As revenues drop and passionate debates over police mission, budget and purpose continue, cities still face the arduous task of recruiting top-notch candidates.
Management
Coronavirus Roundup: Transition Plans Include Public Health Guidance; Top Democrats Release Joint Oversight Analysis of Federal Pandemic Response
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
How CBP Plans to Spend—and Repay—Its $15M Modernization Fund Loan
Agency officials already completed the first phase of modernizing the nation’s second-largest revenue collection system but needed an infusion of cash to keep the momentum going.
Defense
‘Most Believe’ Beirut Blast ‘Accident,’ Esper Says, Contradicting Trump
The president said “some of our great generals” told him that the blast was “a bomb of some kind.”
Employee Policy
Trump pushes agencies to review, reduce foreign hires on federal contracts
The White House this week ordered all agencies to review their procedures to ensure that federal contractors employ U.S. nationals ahead of foreign workers.
Employee Policy
Esper calls Floyd murder a 'wakeup call' to improve diversity, inclusion
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he's heard from service members across the branches, which spurred DOD to stand up three initiatives to fight discrimination.
Oversight