Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers unveil bipartisan domestic partner benefits bills
Advocates say allowing partners of federal employees to enroll in health and other programs is a key recruitment and retention tool.
Pay & Benefits
Federal telework, hiring bills advance
Senate panel approves legislation expanding telework for employees and making it easier for agencies to rehire federal retirees.
Defense
Air Force wants to retire aging jets early
Cost savings and 4,000 positions would be redirected to more urgent requirements.
Pay & Benefits
OMB to use workplace rankings in 2011 budget process
Nuclear Regulatory Commission stays at the front of the pack for large agencies.
Oversight
Defense personnel security clearance information is incomplete, GAO says
Pentagon and OPM have reduced processing times, but took four months to vet nearly 40 percent of initial security clearances in fiscal 2008.
Oversight
Maryland congressman’s background shapes his approach to public service
Democratic Rep. John Sarbanes weighs in on the administration’s attitude toward management reform, and congressional efforts to improve government.
Defense
GAO: Defense must make cultural, procedural changes to NSPS
Watchdog agency says moving too quickly on pay-for-performance systems undermines their credibility.
Pay & Benefits
TSP to debut Web site makeover in the fall
Overhaul will make it easier to track transactions online and transfer money among funds.
Pay & Benefits
Defense Department names task force to review NSPS
Panel will investigate whether personnel system is fair and meeting its goals.
Defense
Air Force vows to improve acquisition system
Plan would expand workforce and revise processes to keep programs on time and within budget.
Defense
Lawmaker threatens to force DHS to let employees wear masks
Front-line workers want policy giving them the right to don protective gear to guard against spread of diseases.
Defense
Debate erupts over whistleblower rights for intelligence workers
Legal experts disagree on whether a pending bill can protect employee rights and national security simultaneously.
Defense
Defense to bulk up housing assistance program
Recovery Act funds will be used to expand effort to help service members and civilian employees who have been forced to sell their homes at a loss.
Pay & Benefits
Short-Term Fixes
The Obama administration can get the ball rolling on personnel reforms, but it will need Congress to make lasting changes.
Oversight
Officials recognize telework demands more than lip service to thrive
Governmentwide policy requires specific performance measures and competence with technology to succeed, observers say.
Oversight
IG: Energy needs to improve contractor oversight
Watchdog cites potential conflict of interest in radioactive waste disposal at Hanford Site.
Oversight