People

Even short shutdowns complicate federal hiring

With two government shutdowns in recent memory -- and a third looming -- the disruptions of federal operations make an already-protracted federal hiring process even more challenging.

People

OPM extends pay freeze for senior ranks

The Office of Personnel Management is extending a pay freeze for senior political officials — at least until Congress passes appropriations legislation.

Cybersecurity

OPM still plagued by cyber weaknesses, IG finds

An oversight report found the OPM was unready for its annual cyber audit, while the agency says that the CDM program will help mature its efforts.

Acquisition

Lawmakers hear from Trump's picks to lead GSA, OPM

Federal hiring, the clearance backlog and procurement data came up in a Senate confirmation hearing for candidates to lead the Office of Personnel Management and the General Services Administration.

People

OPM: federal employee engagement reaches six-year high

Nearly a half-million feds responded to the annual OPM survey, and results suggest some increase in morale and job satisfaction in the federal workforce, despite some public indications to the contrary.

People

House passes bill to relax TSP withdrawal restrictions

The House voted to unanimously pass a bill that would increase federal employees' flexibility in withdrawing funds from their retirement accounts.

Digital Government

House panel skeptical of DOD clearance plan

Members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee say they need more detail from the Department of Defense on its plan to take over large parts of the security clearance process.

People

OPM names new CIO

Former Maryland CIO David Garcia will replace David DeVries as the top tech official of the Office of Personnel Management.

People

Amid reorg, agency leaders push for SES reforms

Amid reorganization and downsizing, agency leaders want to ensure there's a healthy pipeline for the senior executive service to carry out its mission.

People

Agencies steer clear of RIFs in reorg plans

Agencies think they can fulfill White House reorganization goals and trim their workforces by relying on attrition and reclassifying employees.

Digital Government

Number of veterans in federal workforce grew in 2016

The number of veterans employed by the federal government has crept steadily upward in recent years, and now represents nearly one-third of the entire executive branch workforce.

People

NBIB confirms 700,000 security clearance backlog

The National Background Investigations Bureau is trying to whittle down its massive security clearance backlog, while streamlining and updating its background investigation process.

People

GSA, OPM get new chiefs

In a Friday evening release, the Trump administration announced candidates to lead the General Services Administration, the Office of Personnel Management, as well as a new deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget.

People

Departing OPM CIO heads to Michigan for state post

Michigan's governor has tapped David DeVries, who is retiring as CIO of the Office of Personnel Management, to be the state's top tech official.

Cybersecurity

Years after breach, OPM still shows infosec weakness

A congressional watchdog reports that while OPM has addressed some past information security recommendations, vulnerabilities persist.

People

Nesterczuk withdraws as OPM nominee

Former OPM official says prospect of being confirmed "has grown remote."

Cybersecurity

OPM's IT authorization process a 'material weakness,' IG says

A 2015 decision to pause tech authorizations is putting the Office of Personal Management at risk, according to a new inspector general report.

Cybersecurity

DISA says funding cut won’t slow new background check system

DISA is in the process of developing a new IT platform for federal background investigations, and despite a one-third cut in proposed funding for 2018, the agency says it has the needed budget.

Cybersecurity

Can government stop using Social Security numbers?

Agencies are having trouble reducing reliance on Social Security numbers as identifiers because of outdated systems, insufficient funding and lack of coordination from OMB.

People

Trump picks Nesterczuk for OPM director

The former OPM and Defense official also served on a transition landing team.