Nextgov
Background Investigations Tech Team Reassigned from DISA to Defense Security Service
By mid-summer, the National Background Investigations Service technical team will be under a new office as part of major shifts in the security clearance process.
Defense
How Many Civilians Die in Covert U.S. Drone Strikes? It Just Got Harder to Say
Trump has revoked an Obama-era reporting requirement even as the CIA has resumed lethal strikes.
Defense
NSA-Cyber Command Chief Recommends No Split Until 2020: Sources
That’s another delay for a separation planned several Defense Secretaries ago.
Management
Trump Mar-a-Lago Buddy Wrote Policy Pitch. The President Sent It to VA Chief.
A handwritten note to Trump, addressed “Dear King,” presents another instance of access and influence for Mar-a-Lago associates.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The President Met With Tim Apple. Or Maybe Tim Cook.
Donald Trump got the Apple CEO's name wrong at a Wednesday meeting.
Route Fifty
How a Library Embraced New Technology and Helped Build a Prosthetic Hand
The public library in a small Texas town used an assessment tool that helped officials eventually upgrade equipment—including buying a 3D printer. One community member used it to make a prosthesis.
Nextgov
Virtual Reality Could Make Disaster Response Training More Effective
In early tests of its augmented reality training software, a Texas-based startup made first responders perform faster and more accurately.
Route Fifty
Federal Judge Rules Against Transit Agency in Disability Access Case
The dispute centers on requirements for elevators at subway stations.
Route Fifty
Without a Federal Privacy Law, States Are Left to Figure Out How to Protect Consumer Data
Representatives of the technology industry, and some state officials, say having broad privacy laws in each state could curb innovation. But other states leaders argue intervention is necessary to protect consumers.
Management
Pay for Performance is the Only Choice
At this point, the General Schedule is an impediment to good government.
Management
VA Procurement and Security Clearance Processing Land on GAO’s High-Risk List
Hiring reform remains a key challenge and contributes to problems across government, the watchdog found.
Oversight
HHS Vigorously Defended Its Employees, But Senators Still Want Answers on Alleged Sexual Assault Against Immigrant Children
Request for investigation comes after newly released data show 4,500 allegations of sexual abuse against children in government care.
Nextgov
VA to Pilot Health Records System in March 2020
Lawmakers still have serious concerns about the agency’s multibillion health records overhaul.
Pay & Benefits
Treasury Suspends G Fund Investments, Retirement Programs Could Become More Generous, and More
A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.
Management
Agriculture Department Staff Given Marching Orders for Controversial Move
Despite legislated delay, research offices prepare to relocate most employees.
Management
What Did You Learn From Your Worst Boss Ever?
There are definitely “worst boss” behaviors that come up again and again that serve as a reference point for anyone who wants to be the best boss.
Defense
We’ll Soon Learn Whether You Can Post 3D-Gun Plans Online
A proposed export-rules change has snagged over the question: is publishing such designs a boon to U.S. business or foreign terrorists?
Tech
U.S. Takes Tentative Steps Toward Opening Up Government Data
A new act requires that all nonsensitive government data be made available publicly by January 2020. But the plan could open up new privacy issues.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Hillary Clinton Is Not Running For President Again
The 2020 election will not feature the former Secretary of State.
Route Fifty