Defense
It’s Getting Harder to Track U.S. Progress in Afghanistan
Almost every metric “is now classified or nonexistent,” says the special inspector general for Afghan reconstruction.
Management
White House's Push for More Oversight of Agency Data Has Some Scientists Concerned
OMB wants to make more agency data public, peer reviewed and reproducible.
Management
White House: Proposed Hiring Rule Was Meant to Help, Not Hurt Ex-Offenders Seeking Federal Jobs
Administration seeks to clarify intent of proposed requirement that applicants disclose participation in pretrial diversion programs, amid outcry.
Route Fifty
Why a County Eliminated Degree Requirements for 82 Types of Jobs
The change will affect the hiring criteria for jobs ranging from budget analysts to parks managers.
Route Fifty
A State Considers How to Help Local Governments Pay for Expensive Murder Trials
A bill in the Ohio legislature would allow counties to ask for state financial support for large capital murder cases.
Nextgov
FAA Greenlights Drone Company to Deliver Food in One Virginia Town
The Federal Aviation Administration gave its first OK to drone company to deliver commercial goods.
Defense
Military Services Fall Short in Responding to Domestic Violence on Bases
Watchdog finds inconsistencies in reporting and documentation.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers, DHS Look to Improve Border Patrol Compensation
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Nextgov
IRS’ Outdated App Security Leaves Taxpayers at Risk of Identity Theft, Watchdog Says
The agency is updating identity verification controls for its suite of web applications, but the effort won’t be wrapped up until 2023.
Oversight
State Department Watchdog to Report Soon on Reorganization, Alleged Political Harassment
Linick’s work plan promises results this year on investigation of former Secretary Rex Tillerson’s aborted restructuring.
Management
GAO is Wrong: Job Classification Cannot Be Fixed
It is the most antiquated and bureaucratic of all federal HR practices.
Management
Lockheed, Frustrated with US Air Force, Eyes Foreign F-35 Sales
The service’s proposed purchase of Boeing F-15s has the company increasing its sales efforts on Capitol Hill, and elsewhere.
Nextgov
SEC Pulls On-Ramp For $2.5 Billion IT Contract
The agency is reworking the on-ramp solicitation for its massive enterprise IT vehicle, which, if officials aren’t careful, could take down the entire contract.
Management
What the Supreme Court Said About the 2020 Census Citizenship Question
In oral arguments, conservative justices asked about data science, while liberals asked what the citizenship question was really for.
Oversight
Trump's Defiance of Congress Leaves Democrats With a New Dilemma
The president is openly defying Congressional subpoenas.
Route Fifty
The Poop Problem Plaguing One of America’s Wealthiest Cities
“People should have places to go to the bathroom when they need to, and in San Francisco they don't,” says a supervisor there looking to tackle this and other issues tied to street cleanliness.
Pay & Benefits
All But Three Cabinet-Level Departments Have Shed Jobs Under Trump
Agencies say they are now trying to reverse that trend.
Nextgov
Cyber Officials Swear They Aren't the Enemy
Federal cyber officials want to help agencies build more secure health care systems, not just say no.
Management
Lone Senator Continues to Block Vote on Counterintelligence Leader
Sen. Chuck Grassley’s reasons for putting a hold on the nomination of William Evanina are unrelated to the nominee.
Route Fifty