Route Fifty
Contractors and Advocacy Groups Push Back on State Efforts to Mandate Surveillance Software
State legislation pushed by one company to require contractors to install the software would compromise data privacy and carry steep costs for companies and governments, the groups argue.
Management
HUD’s Inspection System Gets a Poor Grade in Congressional Watchdog’s Report
The Government Accountability Office’s findings mirror those of an investigation by The Southern Illinoisan and ProPublica, which documented numerous cases in which substandard housing complexes received passing — and even glowing — scores from HUD.
Management
If Performance Governs Pay, More Workers Take Antidepressants
Companies moving to a pay-for-performance process may lead to an increase the number of employees taking anxiety and depression medication, according to a new study.
Management
If Trump’s Border Wall Becomes Reality, Here’s How He Could Easily Get Private Land for It
A law is supposed to protect property owners from lowball offers by the government when it takes land through eminent domain. But a letter shows how simple it is for officials to eviscerate what is already a pretty toothless law.
Route Fifty
Not Out of the Woods Yet—State Borrows $100 Million As it Looks to Solve Forest Controversy
The story of Oregon's Elliott State Forest is one of logging, litigation, old trees, imperiled animals, and school funding.
Management
Why Some Counties Are Powerhouses For Innovation
When it comes to innovation, Santa Clara County is way ahead of the rest of the U.S. Between 2000 and 2015, more than 140,000 patents were granted there – triple the number of the next-ranked county.
Route Fifty
Moody’s: FEMA’s Decision About California Dam Is a Signal to States and Localities
The federal agency may want governments to repair and replace aging infrastructure before it fails, but making California eat some of the repair costs could lead to more deferred maintenance on other projects, the ratings company said.
Route Fifty
Florida Lawmakers Look to Make Ex-Felons Pay Fines Before They Can Vote
The legislation comes months after voters overwhelmingly approved a measure restoring the voting rights of people convicted of felonies who have completed their sentences.
Management
Creating a 21st Century Federal Workforce
A dramatically different method of providing preference to veterans could lead to a radically simplified federal hiring process.
Pay & Benefits
Senate GOP Proposes Drastic Budget Cuts, Retirement Contribution Hikes in 2020 Budget
Non-defense agencies would see 9 percent reduction to spending levels.
Nextgov
White House to Nominate Michael Kratsios as U.S. CTO
Kratsios, who currently serves as the country’s deputy chief technology officer, will be the first person to hold the title since the Obama administration.
Pay & Benefits
Law Enforcement Group Sues OPM Over Retirement Rule Change
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association has fought to reverse a reduction in the pension supplement calculation for divorced retirees.
Nextgov
Office In Charge of Trying Guantanamo Detainees Needs IT Support
The Office of Military Commissions is conducting market research on a $20 million IT support contract.
Pay & Benefits
Relocations, Buyouts Tucked Into Trump's Budget
While it reversed its push for governmentwide staffing cuts, some agencies are still pushing "workforce reshaping."
Management
GSA’s Buildings Service Lost $49 Million On D.C.-Area Leases
Watchdog advises repayments to overbilled agency tenants.
Nextgov
Security Authorizations Trickle In As Deadlines Near on $50 Billion Telecom Contract
So far, only one vendor on the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract has gotten an authority to operate—an important requirement that could complicate the upcoming transition.
Oversight
Boeing 737 MAX: The FAA Wanted a Safe Plane – But Didn’t Want To Hurt America’s Biggest Exporter Either
Some are calling the FAA's relationship with Boeing an open-and-shut case of "regulatory capture." The reality is more complicated.
Defense
U.S. Army Contradictions Muddy Humvee-Replacement Plan
The service intends to buy 500 fewer JLTVs next year — but will it still buy the total planned 49,000?
Oversight