Management
No Easy Cure for VA’s Ailing Bureaucracy
The department has repeatedly struggled (and failed) to balance central control with field authority.
Nextgov
Vendors Scramble as FedRAMP Cloud Services Deadline Arrives
Companies will likely have a few more months before oversight bodies begin to seriously enforce compliance.
Nextgov
Sending Astronauts to Space Is Worth It -- If the Goal Is Mars
But we’ll have to increase NASA’s budget and cooperate with China, report concludes.
Management
5 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence
Before you can lead others, you must be able to lead yourself.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Employees Have Lost All Furlough Appeals So Far
MSPB judges have sided with the agency’s decision to furlough workers during sequestration in the 1,200 cases that they’ve adjudicated to date.
Management
Construction Flaws in Afghan Prison Merit a Refund from Contractor, Says Watchdog
Building in earthquake zone has weak walls; SIGAR suspects fraud.
Management
In Wake of Scandal, VA Nominees Stuck in Senate Limbo
Key jobs remain vacant as the Senate deals with treatment of veterans and a backlog of nominees.
Management
How Executive Incentives Compounded the VA’s Problems
If done right, bonuses could push leaders to expedite changes.
Management
Lower-Ranking Feds Are Nine Times More Likely to Be Fired Than Senior Execs
HUD, Education and State fire the fewest employees.
Management
John Kerry Busted Taking a Brief Nap in Poland
The secretary of state nodded off during the Polish president's answer to a question at a press conference.
Management
3 Words You Shouldn't Say About Yourself
When you call yourself a giver, you fail the test of humility.
Oversight
Senator Calls Plan to Shore Up Highway Fund by Ending Saturday Mail Delivery a 'Nonstarter'
Lawmakers scramble to keep the trust fund from going broke.
Management
Spotting Top Executive Talent
Recruiters focus on potential, but competencies should not be overlooked.
Management
Are Unions the Big Problem at Veterans Affairs?
The largest VA employees union rebuts columnist’s attack on “official time.”
Nextgov
HP Launches High Security Private Cloud for Public Sector
Helion hopes to meet FedRAMP requirements within the next six to nine months.
Management
Democrats Also Want to Make It Easier to Fire VA Execs
Democratic bill attempts to ensure due process, while Republican says some employees deserve prison.
Management
Are You a Segmenter or an Integrator?
Work-life balance is a myth, but it still helps to set boundaries.
Management
Program to Pay Afghan Police Through Mobile Money Transfers Could Curb Corruption
Such systems prevent locals from siphoning off portions of the salaries.
Nextgov
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director Letitia Long Is Retiring
Long oversaw the agency that created and collected geospatial intelligence, or GEOINT.
Management