Route Fifty
‘Everyone’s Losing Money’: Coronavirus Strains Small Businesses in Seattle
The situation offers a window into the pressures the disease outbreak could create for local economies. Government officials are scrambling to come up with relief programs.
Oversight
Viewpoint: Congress Desperately Needs a Contingency Plan
What will happen if lawmakers can no longer meet because of the coronavirus?
Management
The FDA Is Forcing the CDC to Waste Time Double Testing Some Coronavirus Cases
The FDA’s strict guidance on test confirmations is one of several obstacles that has slowed the federal government’s response to COVID-19. The FDA could change its rules to speed things up, but hasn’t.
Defense
General Takes Blame for ‘No Injuries’ Declaration After Jan. 8 Iran Strike
“I was never under any pressure at any time to shade this reporting,” CENTCOM’s Gen. Frank McKenzie told Congress. More than 100 troops later were diagnosed with TBI.
Management
We’ve Got The Vaccine, Says Pentagon-Funded Company
Canadian firm says it could make 10 million doses per month — if its innovative production method wins FDA approval.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: FLRA Wants to Make it Easier For Feds to Cancel Union Dues
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to talk about the future of unions in the federal government in light of the board's proposed change.
Nextgov
EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon to Take Corrective Action on JEDI
The Pentagon plans to revise its JEDI procurement following Amazon’s bid protest.
Route Fifty
States Order Widespread School Closures to Blunt Coronavirus Spread
Across the country, governors are increasingly ordering school closures and bans on large gatherings as state and local governments work to slow community spread of the virus.
Management
Federal Agencies Don't Yet Have a Plan to Implement Trump's Europe Travel Ban
The guidance is coming soon, an official said. It goes into effect Friday evening.
Management
Some Agencies Reluctant to Embrace Telework and Take Other Precautions, Despite Growing Coronavirus Concerns
Although some agencies have stepped up to protect their workforces as the novel coronavirus outbreak widens, many federal employees report a resistance to remote work and a lack of basic sanitary measures.
Route Fifty
Colorado Sets Up Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Center
Drive-thru testing—free in Colorado to patients with a doctor's order—appeared in a few locations across the country this week. It soon may be much more widespread.
Nextgov
NIST Works on the Industries of the Future in Buildings from the Past
The standards agency updated lawmakers on its artificial intelligence and quantum computing efforts and it’s $775 million deferred maintenance backlog.
Pay & Benefits
Retirement Considerations for Women
Women are more likely to experience a savings shortfall.
Nextgov
Agencies Get Guidance on the Ethics and Rigor Required for Evidence-Based Decision-Making
The second of four policy documents related to the Evidence Act focuses on standards and practices for evaluation officers.
Management
Senator Calls on Administration to Offer Flexibilities on Security Clearance Adjudications for Coronavirus
Sen. Warner wants to ensure that coronavirus financial hardships don’t negatively impact intelligence community employees and contractors.
Nextgov
CDC Demands Airlines Provide More Passenger Data During COVID-19 Outbreak
Airline officials that don’t comply with a new rule could face $500,000 fines and jail time.
Management
Coronavirus Control Measures Aren’t Pointless – Just Slowing down the Pandemic Could Save Millions of Lives
Best case estimates suggest 40 million American adults may come down with COVID-19. But an epidemiologist explains why now is not the time to just give up.
Route Fifty
Democrats, Republicans Race to Shore Up Divisions on Coronavirus Package
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had hoped for a Thursday vote on the legislation, but Republicans said they won’t support the proposal as drafted and pushed for changes.
Management
How the State Department Could Be Rebuilt After the Trump Administration
The damage at the State Department is worse than you imagine—but also more reparable.
Defense