Acquisition
DOD oversight report tracks pandemic spending
A recent inspector general report looks at contractors who received COVID-19 reimbursement under a $1 billion allocation in the CARES Act
Cybersecurity
Connecting and supporting the post-pandemic workforce
After a year of emergency response, IT leaders are planning for a permanently changed operating environment.
People
CDC mask guidelines and the federal workforce
The White House-led Safer Federal Workforce Task Force is incorporating recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates on COVID protocols into their guidance for agencies looking to accommodate vaccinated workers.
People
Watchdog report finds OPM didn't always alert employees of COVID cases
The Inspector General at the Office of Personnel Management found that the agency wasn't requiring mask-wearing and failed to notify employees of COVID cases during the height of the pandemic.
People
House Dems, unions pitch plan to reclassify TSA screeners
So far, Republicans haven't signed on to a plan to alter the agency's unique personnel situation. Some experts caution that there are untended consequences from a move to put TSA officers under Title 5.
Acquisition
TMF payback rules relaxed for cyber upgrades, pandemic response
Biden administration officials announced on Tuesday that payback requirements will be relaxed for some projects funded by the recent $1 billion addition to the Technology Modernization Fund. Administrators want urgently needed upgrades that help respond to the pandemic or improve the cybersecurity of federal agencies.
Acquisition
This year's Sammies includes a special COVID response category
Partnership for Public Service announced the 29 finalists for its annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals.
People
Federal employee job satisfaction climbed during pandemic
The survey documents the rapid change to teleworking postures in government under the COVID-19 pandemic.
People
Union touts productivity gains from telework
Feds overwhelmingly want to keep the ability to telework additional days each week, according to the results of a survey released by the National Treasury Employees Union.
People
EPA eliminates Trump workforce orders from labor contract
The Environmental Protection Agency rolled back the clock on portions of its collective bargaining agreement on official time, union office space, grievance procedures and more.
Cybersecurity
A renewed push for secure modernization
With the SolarWinds breach as a catalyst and new leadership across government, agencies are rethinking their roadmaps.
People
DOD should update emergency response plans to accommodate telework, IG says
Each component should also update its plan "to include revised assumptions regarding telework for personnel and the resources required to support the teleworking workforce," the IG wrote in an April 1 report.
People
Unions, agencies encouraging feds to get vaccinated
Early results from federal workforce campaigns suggest that vaccine uptake could present challenges once availability for all age groups is no longer an obstacle.
People
Air Force seeks 'ubiquitous connectivity' from telework to bases
Lauren Knausenberger, the Air Force's CIO, said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the service had increased focus on telework and improving base connectivity.
People
OPM official: No going back to pre-COVID status quo
The Office of Personnel Management wants to use upcoming guidance on telework to offer a new vision for federal work, an agency official said Wednesday.
People
D.C. extends COVID vaccines to essential feds but worries continue for far-flung federal workforce
Some agencies have been vaccinating their employees directly, but others haven't. The National Treasury Employee Union wants IRS to secure vaccine allotments for in-person workers nationwide.
People
Biden signs Rescue bill, boosting TMF and adding pandemic leave for feds
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law on Thursday. In addition to a massive influx of funding to support Americans harmed by the economic fallout of the pandemic, there is funding available for IT modernization and provision to help the federal workforce cope with COVID-19.
Acquisition
Will DOD keep collaborating after CVR?
Commercial Virtual Remote, spun up last year to support pandemic telework, goes away this summer. DISA is working to ensure the cloud collaboration continues.
People
VA watchdog cautions on pandemic hires
Temporary waivers to speed hiring at VA medical facilities have helped fill workforce gaps, but the agency's Inspector General warns on security risks of putting off certain security checks.
Digital Government
TMF set to receive $1B infusion in COVID relief bill
Former federal IT leaders told FCW that the boost for the Technology Modernization Fund is welcome, but the big money may necessitate process changes.
Almost There!
Help us tailor content specifically for you: