Tech
Viewpoint: An Invisible Government Agency Produces Crucial National Security Intelligence, But Is Anyone Listening?
The National Intelligence Council works inside government but is little understood outside. Yet it has helped respond to almost all the major foreign policy challenges of the last 40 years.
Management
Lawmakers: Discussion of Furloughs at OPM Was 'Premature and Unnecessary'
Officials should have considered furloughs or layoffs as a last resort in addressing the agency's budget shortfall, senators say in letter demanding more information.
Nextgov
GSA's Centers of Excellence Wants Industry Feedback on Pending OPM Effort
The General Services Administration’s Centers of Excellence effort at the Office of Personnel Management is ramping up.
Management
Border Patrol Condemns Secret Facebook Group, but Reveals Few Specifics
The agency won’t say how many employees have been disciplined or warned in the ongoing scandal over offensive social media posts.
Defense
Dunford: U.S. Will Provide Intel, Not Escorts, In Strait Of Hormuz
The Trump administration wants to put together an international coalition to prevent tanker attacks from Iran.
Defense
Sexual Assault Allegation Surfaces About Nominee for Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman
Cleared by Air Force investigators, Gen. Hyten may yet face questions during his Senate confirmation process.
Management
The Air Really Was Cleaner Under Obama
Pollution is up nearly 14 percent under the Trump administration.
Management
Mother Blames ICE for Toddler's Death in Emotional Congressional Testimony
Asylum seeker says federal agents treated her cruelly and provided inhumane conditions.
Route Fifty
Key Senators Pledge to Move on Federal Highway Bill This Summer
But lawmakers acknowledge that figuring out a long-term plan to pay for transportation infrastructure remains a major challenge.
Nextgov
Experts Tell Congress Facial Recognition’s Bias Problem May Be Here to Stay
Despite significant improvements in the tech’s overall performance, he said, “it’s unlikely” researchers will ever make systems equally accurate across racial and other demographic lines.
Management
More Than Two-Thirds at Agriculture Research Office Reject Relocation
Union survey of some 200 employees shows Perdue plan will lead to high attrition.
Pay & Benefits
Retirement Backlog Grows, Bills Would Expand Veterans Benefits and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Nextgov
CBP Is Looking for a Vendor to Manage Its Multi-Cloud Environment
The winning company will have to stitch together multiple cloud services and architectures and enable the agency to add new ones as needed.
Defense
Ex-State Dept. Official Gets 40 Months in Prison for Spying
Claiborne gave documents to Chinese agents in exchange for gifts.
Route Fifty
Last Year Was a Record-Breaking Year for High-Tide Flooding. 2019 Probably Will Be, Too.
The East Coast suffered most from high-tide flooding, which can occur even on calm, sunny days, according to new data from the federal government.
Management
House to Consider Blocking OPM Merger, Other Workforce Proposals Through Defense Policy Bill
Proposed amendments to the annual must-pass Defense authorization bill include measures to safeguard federal workers’ insurance during shutdowns, ban the box in federal hiring and protect whistleblowers.
Management
Viewpoint: Alex Acosta’s Legacy
The secretary of labor is embroiled in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Is he doing a “fantastic job,” as Trump said?
Management
ICE and the Ever-Widening Surveillance Dragnet
ICE agents have used facial-recognition technology on state driver’s-license photos, turning a public database into a de facto criminal database.
Defense
New Camera Could Help Drones See Through Camouflage
Researchers copied a technique pioneered by creatures like the mantis shrimp.
Defense