Buzz Factor

10 gov Web apps that get results
SUMMARY: We surveyed government-developed applications that work well.
OUTLOOK: Feds are starting to get the hang of developing tools for interacting with the public.

Group takes aim at feds, suggests $47 billion in pay cuts
SUMMARY: The conservative Heritage Foundation wants to slash federal salaries.
OUTLOOK: So far, it's just one group's opinion, but watch to see if anyone in Congress takes up the charge.

Do managers have good reasons for opposing telework?
SUMMARY: Many managers are reluctant to embrace telework, and some have pretty sound arguments.
OUTLOOK: Based on the range of reader comments our blog post garnered, this is Topic A for many feds.

More feds may telework, House says
SUMMARY: Legislation that expands the number of federal employees eligible for telework moves closer to becoming law.
OUTLOOK: The momentum is clearly on the side of telework. Now comes the hard part.

The first affliction of the federal workforce: Low expectations
SUMMARY: A theme of FCW commenters is that the federal workplace often doesn't expect — nor get — much out of employees.
OUTLOOK: Paradoxically, if expectations are raised, more frustration might follow.

FLITE cancellation: VA pulls plug on modernization effort
SUMMARY: CIO Roger Baker cancels a $500 million project to free up funding for more pressing needs.
OUTLOOK: New uses of the funds include upgrading VA's patient records and veterans' benefits systems.

Would-be federal teleworkers raise their voices
SUMMARY: In the ongoing struggle between employees and some managers for greater telework freedom, a simple question posed on an online forum can cause an outpouring of passionate response.
OUTLOOK: The people want freedom.

DHS to take FISMA lead
SUMMARY: The Homeland Security Department will take primary responsibility in the executive branch for the operational aspects of securing federal civilian agency systems covered by FISMA.
OUTLOOK: FISMA has been around since 2002 and shows no signs of fading away, but its shape changes periodically. This development will reshape FISMA's management scheme.