Oversight
OMB aims to further streamline security clearance process
President Bush slated to issue executive order June 30.
Oversight
GAO to launch employee diversity reforms in response to job performance report
Discrepancies in evaluations of African-American and Caucasian analysts persist and need to be addressed, independent research group concludes.
Pay & Benefits
TSP posts solid returns in April
Three riskier funds rise in past month, but post losses over previous year.
Pay & Benefits
Subpanel votes to hike maximum dependent age for federal health benefits
Measure raises the maximum age of dependents eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan from 22 to 25.
Pay & Benefits
Social Issues
Answers to some common questions about how Social Security fits in to the federal retirement process.
Pay & Benefits
Agencies urged to pitch job flexibilities to attract applicants of all ages
Research shows government is ahead of the curve on alternative work schedules, but doesn't get the word out.
Pay & Benefits
Intelligence community launches executive performance system
Common criteria will focus on building collaborative networks across agency lines, leaders say.
Defense
Pay disparities hamper efforts to deploy civilians to war zones
Report finds both real and perceived differences in compensation among agencies that have sent employees to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pay & Benefits
Community of Caring
More flexibility for volunteer time can foster public service on and off the clock.
Pay & Benefits
TSP chief urges Congress to back automatic employee enrollment
Feds who don’t opt in to the system when they join government could face tough times in retirement, Thrift Savings Plan executive director warns.
Defense
Defense, VA urged to spend more on mental health, brain injury treatments
Better treatment for post-traumatic stress and brain injuries would result in cost savings, RAND official says.
Pay & Benefits
Leader of Defense pay system overhaul to leave post
Mary Lacey says it’s time to move on after overseeing a massive restructuring of the civilian personnel system.
Pay & Benefits
Public service group to develop new resources for federal interns
Partnership for Public Service will use $3 million grant to hire 10 students to promote public service on their campuses.
Pay & Benefits
Agencies plan to increase spending on telework technologies, study says
With bigger budgets, advocacy group advises IT managers to track return on investments.
Oversight
Veterans subcommittee votes $2.2 million for health facilities
Nearly $1.7 billion is for increases in the projected cost of seven facilities previously authorized.
Pay & Benefits
Survivor Benefits: Q&A
Answers to questions from last week’s column on providing for your survivors.
Pay & Benefits
TSP finalizes rules on fund transfer restrictions
Limits begin May 1, but opposition to regulation could continue.
Defense
Coast Guard protests House authorization bill maneuver
Substitute language would undermine commandant’s authority, compromise security, White House says.
Pay & Benefits
Needed: Information, and Lots of It
Quick and aggressive dissemination of financial and health plan changes would help federal employees make better decisions about their benefits.
Defense