Management
White House Orders Federal Contractors to Limit Their Use of Foreign Workers
President Trump signed an executive order that requires agencies to review internally their contracting practices, but experts say there are questions on how it will be implemented.
Route Fifty
Seven States Band Together to Purchase Rapid-Result Covid Tests
The compact, negotiated by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, aims to increase production of the tests, which can deliver results in less than a half hour.
Management
Immigration Judges Union Survives, For Now
Federal Labor Relations Authority regional director rejects arguments by the Justice Department that immigration judges are managers and therefore their union should be decertified.
Route Fifty
Census Bureau Says It Will Stop the Count A Month Early
Because of complications caused by the pandemic this spring, the Census Bureau had planned to keep counting people until Oct. 31.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: National Guard Deployments Extended With Funding Cuts; NIH Begins Antibody Clinical Trial
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
NTIA to Host Proof-of-Concept Summit in Software Transparency Effort
More agencies are starting to ask suppliers for a software bill of materials in building a foundation for better, faster cybersecurity.
Employee Policy
Agencies need younger, more experienced hackers
Federal agencies could do much to improve their cybersecurity talent pool if they moved away from restrictive General Schedule hiring practices and were more open to bringing on younger candidates, according to Chris Krebs, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Employee Policy
OPM’s draft hiring changes expected Aug. 21
The Office of Personnel Management plans to issue draft changes to General Schedule qualification policies by Aug. 21, to eliminate "unnecessary obstacles" to federal employment by focusing on skill assessments over credentials like college degrees.
Tech
Video: Who Controls Pandemic Data?
A White House decision to take over collection of COVID-19 data from the CDC sparked worries over political interference. A public data expert talks about the importance of transparent public data.
Management
GovExec Daily: The CDC's Role in the Pandemic Response
Courtney Bublé joined the podcast to talk about her interview with former agency chief Tom Frieden.
Nextgov
Most Agencies Are C-Students on 10th FITARA Scorecard
The latest FITARA scorecard marked a milestone since the first report in 2015—no agency received a D or an F grade. But fewer agencies improved grades this time around.
Route Fifty
A Third of NYC Small Businesses Could Close as Result of Pandemic
New reports shed light on the long-lasting impacts the coronavirus outbreak could have on small businesses.
Defense
Trump Sidesteps Congress To Install Controversial Pentagon Nominee
A legal loophole may allow Tata to take the top job without Senate confirmation at all.
Route Fifty
One County Offers Universal Basic Income to Former Foster Youth
Santa Clara County in California launched the nation’s first UBI program specifically aimed at giving a boost to young adults who are transitioning out of foster care.
Management
Trump Administration Issues Guidance on Overhauling Federal Hiring to Emphasize Skills Over Degrees
The guidance will help agencies implement an executive order President Trump signed in June.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Posts Gains as New Funds Come Online
The stock market gave a warm welcome to the new lifecycle funds, now available in five-year increments.
Management
Appellate Court: FLRA Cannot Override Arbitrators Just Because It Disagrees With Them
A three-judge panel last week overturned a Federal Labor Relations Authority decision, ruling that the federal labor-management agency did not provide enough deference to neutral arbitrators.
Route Fifty
States Crack Down on Large Gatherings as Covid-19 Continues to Spread
Minnesota officials are seeking damages from a ranch owner who held a three-day rodeo in defiance of state regulations on large gatherings. They say at least one attendee tested positive for Covid-19 days after the event.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Senators Seek Guarantee of Maximum Telework for Feds; Rising Concern Over Vaccine Approval and Distribution to Communities of Color
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Employee Policy