Oversight
Justice Department Launches Task Force to Combat Coronavirus Fraud
Other agencies have implemented similar initiatives as well.
Workforce
OPM Revises Hiring and Onboarding Policies Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Agencies have new authorities to hire emergency staff and bring on all new workers virtually.
Nextgov
Defense Secretary Says Teleworking Could Last Months
During a virtual town hall, Mark Esper warned employees to be vigilant for phishing attempts and practice good cyber hygiene.
Oversight
The Coronavirus Testing Paradox
Administering coronavirus tests requires time and supplies that are already running out. But aggressive testing has proven to be the best way to track and isolate the disease, stopping its spread. The best path forward depends on where you are.
Oversight
COVID-19 Stimulus Must Include Oversight to Block Fraud
Fraudsters are waiting in the wings.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: FEMA Launches a ‘Rumor Control’ Website, Defense Prepares for Telework ‘As Long As Necessary’
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Route Fifty
Salt Lake City Cracks Down on Large Groups Greeting Missionaries at Airport
The stricter rules came after hundreds of residents ignored social-distancing guidelines to greet missionaries returning from abroad.
Nextgov
Amazon: Pentagon Trying to ‘Gerrymander’ JEDI Corrective Action
Amazon Web Services said the Pentagon’s plan to fix the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure cloud contract is not enough.
Nextgov
GSA Warns of COVID-19 Contracting Scam and Price Gouging
After receiving reports of an imposter claiming to hold a GSA contract, officials are reminding agency buyers to verify vendor information.
Oversight
Voting by Mail Would Reduce Coronavirus Transmission but It Has Other Risks
As COVID-19 spreads, many are proposing to hold the November election by mail. Without careful preparation, though, the transition could run into logistical problems and provide opportunities for voter fraud.
Pay & Benefits
House Dems Unveil Stimulus Plan Including Paid Childcare, Mandatory Telework and Hazard Pay for Feds
Measure comes with a $2.5 trillion price tag and includes provisions to rescind Trump's efforts to weaken federal employee unions.
Defense
Esper Orders Pentagon into Stricter Health-Related Lockdown
Most of the military installations in the Washington, D.C., area have already been designated HPCON-C, the second-highest level, to protect personnel from the coronavirus.
Defense
Why Trump Isn’t Using The Defense Production Act
He wants to allow corporations to sell vital medical gear to the highest-bidding states. Governors say that’s exactly the problem.
Management
How One Federal Agency Took Care of Its Workers During the Yellow Fever Pandemic in the 1790S
Today's coronavirus pandemic has echoes in the yellow fever pandemic of the 1790s. Then, as now, workers struggled with how to support themselves and their families. One federal agency had the answer.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: What It Takes to Get Tested for Coronavirus
Kate Queram joins the podcast to tell her story of finally getting tested for COVID-19.
Defense
Viewpoint: I Used to Run ICE. We Need to Release the Nonviolent Detainees.
It’s the only way to protect detention facilities and the people in them from COVID-19.
Route Fifty
New Jersey Set to Release 1,000 Jail Inmates to Limit Coronavirus Spread
Up to 1,000 people could be eligible for release. Other jurisdictions around the U.S. are also taking steps to curb their jail populations.
Route Fifty
How Congress’ Competing Coronavirus Bills Would Help State, Local Governments
The latest Senate bill would pit businesses and state and local governments against each other for $500 billion in economic stabilization loans, while a House proposal would set aside $200 billion for states and another pot for localities.
Workforce
Can’t Telework? 10 Tips for Feds Impacted by COVID-19
You may have options you’re not aware of.
Management