Modernization

OPM retirement backlog hits six-year low for third time this year

The number of pending federal employee retirement claims fell under 16,000 for the second time since 2017 in November.

People

Looking for tech talent? Broaden your search, IC chief says

The nation’s 18 intelligence agencies should look beyond the nation’s capital if they want to get and keep the best cyber workers, said Adele Merritt.

Cybersecurity

House bill looks to shore up federal cyber workforce

The bill, a companion to a Senate bill introduced in July, looks to fortify the U.S.’s domestic cybersecurity workforce and training programs.

Cybersecurity

OPM launches cyber rotational program for feds

The new rotational program is an outgrowth of 2022 legislation backed by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Cybersecurity

Navy’s first cyber strategy looks beyond cybersecurity to digital operations

The military branch must “fully account for new realities presented by cyberspace and the information environment,” the inaugural strategy asserts.

Artificial Intelligence

The people problem behind the government’s AI ambitions

As agencies move to fulfill requirements laid out in Biden’s AI executive order, workforce gaps remain “one of the biggest barriers” according to a White House official.

Defense

DOD launches platform to educate workforce on AI basics

The new program will provide DOD’s civilian and military personnel with access to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology service that consists of “bite-sized learning assets” on AI tools and other technologies.

People

VA attributes record-breaking year to massive increases in hiring

The department will now focus on retaining those employees through various incentives and process improvements, officials say.

Cybersecurity

AI can help agencies enhance their cyber defense, study finds

General Dynamics Information Technology’s recent survey of 200 federal officials involved in cyber decisions found that AI tools could help address human-caused vulnerabilities.

People

OPM: Federal workers’ morale, engagement rebounded in 2023

Preliminary data from the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey indicates that federal agencies have improved on employees’ engagement, job satisfaction, as well as issues of diversity and inclusion.

People

Return-to-office policies may bring potential federal workforce challenges

Deltek posited in its contracting outlook for fiscal 2024 a potential talent crunch tied to the Biden administration’s return-to-office policies. 

Artificial Intelligence

Biden administration plans a multi-agency effort to surge AI recruitment

Officials at the General Services Administration celebrated their forthcoming role to help recruit an AI-fluent workforce across the government, pursuant to the EO’s priorities.

People

OPM head previews coming cyber and IT hiring flexibilities

The personnel agency is also gearing up to recruit AI workers into the government as part of a talent surge called for in the recent AI executive order.

Cybersecurity

The cyber workforce gap is growing

Despite a significant increase in the number of people entering the cyber field in 2023, demand is still far outpacing that supply.

Artificial Intelligence

Biden signs AI order but stresses need for legislation

The long-anticipated executive order on artificial intelligence is broad, detailed and expansive, but the White House wants Congress to do more.

People

Biden seeks federal hiring surge in new $100B emergency funding request

A variety of agencies would collectively add nearly 6,000 employees if Congress provides the supplemental funding.

Cybersecurity

What are federal agencies doing to fill out the cyber workforce?

New numbers released Monday show that employers posted over 572,000 cybersecurity jobs in a 12-month period starting in September 2022.

Cybersecurity

House passes bill to limit education requirements for federal cyber roles

The push for skills-based hiring is already underway in the executive branch, where the Office of Personnel Management is reworking qualification standards for some government jobs.

Modernization

DHS issues new IT plan to tackle workforce, AI and CX challenges

The department is planning to establish a DHS IT Academy with training and upskilling for its workforce.

People

See who would get furloughed in a shutdown this year

The Biden administration is planning to take a novel shutdown approach at some agencies.