Management

The Federal Prisons Lockdown Is Over At All But One Facility

The nationwide lockdown was implemented on Jan. 31 after two inmates died following a fight.

Oversight

An Investigation Has Found That Trump’s First Interior Secretary Violated His Ethics Obligations

The inspector general referred the matter to the Justice Department, but it declined to pursue criminal prosecution.

Defense

U.S. Embassy Staff in Ukraine Have Been Relocated to Poland

They are “essentially commuting,” said a State Department spokesperson.

Employee Policy

WH can do more to protect inspectors general, says fmr watchdog

Guidance issued by the Biden administration was “important,” but an executive order might do more to preserve IG independence, said Michael Atkinson.

Oversight

GSA’s Lease for the Trump Hotel is Under Scrutiny Again

Lawmakers are calling for the agency to consider terminating the lease after the Trump Organization’s accounting firm said it could no longer vouch for the company’s financial statements.

Oversight

What Does Another Continuing Resolution Mean for Federal Contractors?

These stopgap spending measures can lead to "endless stop-and-start contract cycles, creating inefficiency and disruption."

Workforce

Part of Biden’s $15 Contractor Minimum Wage Order Was Temporarily Halted

“This ruling helps more than 40,000 companies like Arkansas Valley Adventures who provide seasonal recreational services on federal lands,” said an attorney for the plaintiffs.

Management

Coronavirus Roundup: The Pandemic is a ‘Wild Card’ as Biden Plans His State of the Union Address

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Oversight

A Watchdog Has Found the Trump Administration Handled Some Ukraine Funds Lawfully

This is “distinguishable” from the 2020 ruling in which the watchdog determined the Trump administration did violate the law with other aid spending, GAO said. 

Oversight

Biden Can do More to Protect Inspectors General, Says Former Watchdog Fired by Trump

Guidance issued by the Biden administration was “important,” but an executive order could also help preserve IG independence, said Michael Atkinson.

Pay & Benefits

The VA Wants to Help Native American Vets Better Access Their Benefits

As of October 2021, there were about 160,000 American Indians/Native Hawaiians/Alaska Natives veterans nationwide, according to VA officials.

Management

Seven States Are Challenging Biden’s $15 Minimum Wage Policy for Contractors 

The White House asserted the president acted within his legal purview with the executive order. 

Management

Dr. Anthony Fauci: Preparing for Pandemics Takes an ‘All-of-Government Approach’ 

In an interview with Government Executive, the face of the COVID-19 response says his team’s spirits are high, and the U.S. is working to mitigate the next outbreak. 

Management

How Can Federal Anti-Trafficking Efforts Advance Racial Equity?

A group of federal agencies want to know in order to further President Biden’s priorities.

Employee Policy

BOP chief says prisons not so badly understaffed

Vacancies at the prisons agency are concentrated at a small number of locations— a problem that will be addressed, in part via recruitment incentives, the director testified in Congress last week.