Management
ATF Rushed Sole-Source Contracts Without Market Research, Watchdog Finds
Agency met small business award goals, mostly to Alaska Native Corporations.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Employees Would Get Less Leave Under Trump’s 2020 Budget
Combining sick leave and vacation time would provide "maximum flexibility," the White House says.
Nextgov
IT Spending Holds Steady in Trump’s Budget
Civilian agencies would get more and the Defense Department less in the president’s budget proposal.
Nextgov
Energy Aims to Launch America’s First Exascale Supercomputer by 2021
Insiders say the first-of-its-kind machine will accelerate innovation and discovery across the health, defense and climate sectors—and beyond.
Pay & Benefits
Trump's Budget Proposes Staffing Increases at All But 2 Cabinet-Level Agencies
Agency-by-agency job gains (or losses) under the White House’s 2020 request.
Pay & Benefits
New Pay Systems, More Temporary Employees Headline Civil Service Reforms in Trump’s Budget
Under a never-before-used provision of the 1990 Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act, the White House promises action on special pay systems this year.
Defense
The U.S. and North Korea Are Back to Talking Tough
Pyongyang’s latest threats don’t necessarily mean diplomacy is dead. But they are a sign of just how deadlocked nuclear talks have become.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Comparing Hand Gestures From the Oval Office
Democratic hopeful Beto O'Rourke has a lot of gesticulations, but so does President Donald Trump.
Defense
Who Are The Private Contractors Fighting In Iraq And Afghanistan? An Inside Look At This Invisible Military Force
A new study looks at obituaries of private military contractors killed at war. The majority are white men with significant military experience.
Route Fifty
Cracking Down on Fake Service Dogs
Twenty-eight states have passed laws penalizing people for misrepresenting their pets as service dogs, with two more considering legislation this spring.
Defense
Trump Picks New Top NATO Commander
Top U.S. Air Force general in Europe will lead alliance as Trump officials continue to berate members for more money.
Route Fifty
Maryland Races to Be First State to Ban Foam Containers and Cups
The clock is ticking on a compromise bill that either Gov. Larry Hogan will sign or both chambers might pass with veto-proof majorities.
Route Fifty
States See Sales Tax Growth After Supreme Court Ruling
South Dakota v. Wayfair opened the door for new collections from online retailers, with several states currently considering plans.
Pay & Benefits
Trump Administration Proposes Eliminating Pensions for Some New Feds
A proposal that would offer a more generous government contribution to the TSP marks “the first step” toward ending federal pensions, a union official says.
Management
White House Declines to Help GAO Review Appointee Ethics Disclosures
Watchdog review of Interior, HHS and Small Business Administration recommends legislation to strengthen transparency.
Pay & Benefits
Nurses Picket VA Headquarters to Protest Private Care and Vacancies
Many VA employees believe the Trump administration supports privatization, despite official claims otherwise.
Nextgov
House Lawmakers Join Push for Federal Contractor Back Pay
After a push from senators, 48 House members urged the House Appropriations Committee to include back pay for federal contractors in funding legislation.
Defense
Pentagon Wants to Test A Space-Based Weapon in 2023
Defense officials have asked for $304 million to fund research into space-based lasers and particle beams, and other new forms of missile defense next year.
Nextgov
DOD Needs To Decide Exactly What the CMO’s Authorities Are
The chief management officer was designed to be a powerful position to reform the Defense Department but has yet to get its footing.
Management