Management
OPM Makes It Easier for Feds to Shop for the Best Health Plan During Open Season
New plan comparison tool is more accessible and works better for employees overseas and on Medicare.
Management
Trump Revokes Obama Order That Had Limited Hiring Options for Some Contractors
Contracting experts had been critical of the lack of flexibility for managers under a rule requiring certain companies to hire employees from their predecessors.
Management
How Five Federal Agencies Fostered Innovation
New report showcases initiatives including a procurement lab and virtual internship program.
Oversight
Senate Panel Tackles Unauthorized Appropriations, or ‘Zombie Payments’
Unauthorized payments accounted for 23% of the discretionary budget in 2019, compared to 10% in the early 1990s.
Oversight
Watchdog: Better Information-Sharing Could Help Address Spike in College Hate Crimes
The Justice Department must keep its resources updated and raise awareness of them, GAO finds.
Pay & Benefits
Democratic Senators Renew Push for Contractors to Receive Shutdown Back Pay
The House previously approved a similar measure, but the White House opposed it.
Management
Trump Orders Study of Root Causes of Crime, Policing Practices
Attorney General William Barr will lead the new Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.
Oversight
IGs Unite Against Justice Legal Opinion That Ukraine Whistleblower Complaint Wasn’t an ‘Urgent Concern’
IG council says the opinion could have a “chilling effect” on future whistleblowers, asks Justice to reconsider.
Management
Republican Senators Introduce Bill to Relocate Major Federal Agencies Outside of D.C.
Ninety-percent of positions in 10 departments would be moved to economically distressed areas.
Oversight
Judge Orders State Department to Begin Producing Ukraine-Related Documents
Order comes in response to an oversight watchdog’s lawsuit.
Oversight
Watchdog: EPA ‘Effectively Managed’ Hurricane Harvey Relief Funds
Inspector general finds EPA handled $11 million in FEMA funds appropriately, corrected issues found in previous investigations.
Management
Election Assistance Agency Loses Its Top Leaders
The bipartisan and independent agency also faces pushback from advocacy organizations and potential funding shortages.
Oversight
Supreme Court Will Consider Whether Consumer Bureau’s Structure Is Constitutional
California-based law firm is arguing the bureau’s director has been given too much authority, violating the separation of powers.
Oversight
Special Counsel Temporarily Suspends Knowing Hatch Act Violators Without Pay
The two Defense Logistics Agency employees were aware of the law limiting political activity and in one case had received extensive training.
Oversight
Ethics Officials Criticize Selection of Trump Resort for G-7 Summit
They cite potential emoluments clause and government contracting law violations.
Oversight
Federal Employees Lose a Powerful Advocate With Death of Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings
The Oversight and Reform chairman was a “fierce advocate for the public interest,” one observer says.
Management
The Federal Agencies 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidates Would Create
The contenders have big plans for growing government.
Management
Service to America Awards Honor VA Medical Center Director, Other Exemplary Federal Employees
Six winners among 26 finalists will be recognized at the “Oscars of government service.”
Oversight
Biden Pledges to Create a Commission on Federal Ethics If Elected President
Amid the Ukraine scandal, Biden goes after Trump in his new ethics plan.
Management