Workforce
How Well Do VA’s Regional Offices Perform? VA Doesn’t Really Know.
The department has 1,000 employees to oversee medical centers, but their roles have never been clearly defined and performance is not clearly measured, auditors say.
Pay & Benefits
More than Half of D.C.-Area Feds Say Agencies Aren’t Supportive of Telework Amid Metro Closures
Majority of respondents to a GovExec.com/Government Business Council survey report that the temporary shutdown of six Metrorail stations would have at least a moderate impact on their ability to do their jobs.
Management
Taxpayer Advocate Details Shutdown's Impact in Her Final Report
Retiring Nina Olson cites harm to customer service as well as staff training.
Route Fifty
The Lingering, Unresolved Battle Over Short-Term Rentals in One California City
Almost a year after San Diego first passed restrictions on rentals marketed on Airbnb and other platforms, only to rescind them months later, the issue is still unsettled. Now, it has moved to the state Legislature.
Oversight
Treasury Auditors Are Reviewing Department's Decision to Delay Putting Tubman on $20 Bill
Senate Minority Leader Schumer sought IG probe of Secretary Mnuchin’s rationale.
Management
Years Ago, the Border Patrol’s Discipline System Was Denounced as 'Broken.' It’s Still Not Fixed.
An expert panel’s pleas for swifter, more consistent, more transparent punishment of rogue agents languish.
Nextgov
White House Updates National Artificial Intelligence Strategy
The updated National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan adds an additional priority to the seven outlined in the plan from the Obama administration.
Tech
A Robot Has Been Stuck on Mars for Months
NASA will conduct a delicate rescue mission to free a probe trapped just inches below the Red Planet’s surface.
Defense
How the Pentagon Nickel-and-Dimed Its Way Into Losing a Drone
The lion’s share of the U.S. drone fleet is easy prey for advanced air defenses. It didn’t have to be that way.
Management
Why Having Too Many Choices Makes Decisions Harder
Endless choices may seem appealing, but introduces a paradox. "You want to make a good choice, but feel like you can't."
Management
Inquiries at EPA's Science Integrity Office Spike Under Trump
Employees are increasingly going to integrity officers with concerns over interference into science.
Route Fifty
America is Aging and Growing More Diverse, Census Data Shows
“More than four out of every five counties were older in 2018 than in 2010," said one Census Bureau official about new population estimates.
Management
Homeland Security Employees Aren’t Disciplined Consistently for Misconduct
Lengthy survey by watchdog faults vague definitions, poor record-keeping for the lack of standard consequences across agencies within the department.
Tech
IRS Advisory Panel Pushes Anti-Fraud Tools, Praises Staff Handling of Shutdown
Specialists recommend boosting private-sector partnership to thwart identity theft.
Defense
Trump Might Not Want War, but the Military Is Steering His Iran Policy
The buildup in the Middle East is coming at the request of the forces responsible for the region.
Nextgov
A Look Inside the Government’s Latest Quantum Computing Efforts
Experts say fortifying strong international collaboration is critical to advancing the emerging technology.
Management
Trump Administration Backs Off Plan to Close Forest Service Job Corps Centers
USDA and Labor sparked bipartisan furor in a move that would have eliminated 1,100 federal jobs.
Management