People

State Dept. can't justify move to open cyber office, GAO finds

The Government Accountability Office says the State Department failed to justify the scope and organizational placement of a new office that was greenlighted in the final days of the Trump administration.

Cybersecurity

DOD moves to centralize security clearance disputes

The Defense Department issued new policy for those who have had their clearances revoked.

People

USAF chief looks to combat extremism in the ranks

To create a better environment for all service members, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the Air Force's chief of staff said leadership will have to lay out "what our expectations are for those who are to be a part of our force."

Cybersecurity

Evanina resigns as counterintelligence chief

William Evanina, a career intelligence official, is stepping down from the post of director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center.

People

White House names GSA senior leaders

The Biden-Harris administration tapped former officials to senior slots at the General Services Administration, but the nomination of an administrator is still to come.

People

For feds, mask mandate, diversity training reversal on Day 1 of Biden presidency

President Joe Biden is expected to reverse a raft of Trump-era federal workforce policy, but some executive actions will take time.

Cybersecurity

SolarWinds hack blights the Trump administration's cybersecurity record

The consequences of the SolarWinds Orion hack are far from clear, but analysts and lawmakers say that officials at CISA and NSA made notable strides to improve the government's cybersecurity posture.

People

Biden-Harris team taps DDM, OSTP director

Biden's Cabinet will be the first to include a "Presidential Science Advisor," Dr. Eric Lander, who Biden nominated to serve as OSTP director.

Acquisition

CMMC, industrial capital strategy could continue in Biden's DOD

The Defense Department's top buyer, Ellen Lord, said the incoming Biden administration will have to contend with adversarial investments and cybersecurity weaknesses in the contractor base.

People

DOD outlines breakup of chief management office

Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist outlines plan to divvy up the Pentagon's number three job.

People

NASA names permanent CIO

Acting tech chief Jeff Seaton takes over as NASA CIO as part of a spate of leadership changes.

People

Did Trump shrink the government? Not according to the Plum Book

Despite promises to "drain the swamp," the Trump administration did little to reduce the number of political appointments, according to data in the latest iteration of the Plum Book.

People

COVID, black swans and gray rhinos

Steven Kelman suggests we should spend more time planning for the known risks on the horizon.

People

Hershman critical of CMO cut in NDAA

Lisa Hershman, the Defense Department's outgoing chief management officer, said the office succeeded -- finding a proclaimed $37 billion in savings -- despite inadequate funding.

People

Trump threatens yet another shutdown

The government is currently funded by a short-term continuing resolution that expires on midnight on Monday, Dec. 28.

People

GAO tracks diversity in the intelligence community

Although steps have been taken to address workforce diversity, a recent report underscored gaps in strategic planning among intelligence community elements.

People

OPM rule would elevate performance in layoff decisions

The current rules for reductions in force have performance last on the list of factors to consider in the determining which employees to keep, with the type of job coming first and followed by veterans preference and service length after.

People

OPM succession shuffle sparks Schedule F concerns

Experts worry that an executive order with the potential to politicize the civil service could do lasting damage, even if rescinded by the incoming Biden administration.

Acquisition

New rule lets contractors seek religious exemptions to anti-discrimination policies

The move will make it easier for companies that are organized around faith-based activities to evade certain civil rights laws and policies when making hiring decisions.

People

Pandemic pivots at State, FCC

The necessary wave of IT adaptation to the pandemic showed federal CIOs and agencies they could move quickly and efficiently to modernize.