People

White House plans to fast-track restrictions on contractor diversity training

The fast-track deviation clause, designed to support the Nov. 21 rollout of new restrictions on diversity and inclusion training for federal agencies and contractors, is expected to be followed quickly by a Federal Acquisition Regulation rulemaking case.

Acquisition

Key questions remain for contractors about diversity training regulations

Although a Department of Labor official says diversity training is still possible for federal contractors under the new policies, confusion over the guidelines has already resulted in cancelled training as agencies and contractors hit pause rather than risk violating a Trump administration executive order.

Acquisition

Business groups nationwide complain about diversity training crackdown

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce led a nationwide coalition of trade associations and business groups in a letter opposing the Trump administration's executive order on diversity and inclusion training.

People

Army tests out augmented reality with training

As social distancing becomes the norm, the Army increasingly looks to virtual training.

Acquisition

Tech groups slam Trump's diversity training executive order

The pushback comes as the Labor Department tries to explain what the memo does and does not allow with regard to diversity training.

People

DHS closes in on new compensation rules for cyber talent

An emerging cyber talent hiring system at DHS awaits new payroll rules, said the agency's top IT officials.

Acquisition

Trump's diversity training purge becomes a debate topic

At the first presidential debate, Donald Trump said that he had ordered trainings on race and gender sensitivity training canceled because the curriculum is "racist". His opponent countered saying, "he's the racist."

People

White House offers details on diversity training crackdown

Diversity training that teaches federal employees about "unconscious bias" or "systemic racism" or "intersectionality" are being banned under a new White House policy.

People

OPM plans to field employee survey next week

The long-delayed Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey will kick off on Sept. 14.

Cybersecurity

National Guard plans all-virtual cyber exercise

The National Guard is taking its annual Cyber Shield training exercise virtual due to COVID-19 with a spotlight on information operations.

Digital Government

OMB launches data reskilling pilot

The Office of Management and Budget develops another technology reskilling pilot aimed at fostering data science talent.

People

How DOD is updating its online education systems

As the pandemic increases the need for online learning, the Defense Department's chief management officer pushes change.

People

Why DOD's diversity problem can't be solved with numbers

Janice Glover-Jones, the Defense Intelligence Agency's chief diversity, equality and inclusion officer, said that diversity has to be more than compliance and "promote inclusive behaviors."

Acquisition

TVA rescinds plans to fire tech workers

The federally owned power company called the plan to fire workers and outsource IT operations as a "disappointing misstep" after the president blasted the move.

Modernization

Could a new academy solve the AI talent problem?

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence is recommending a new academy to train feds to take on federal agency jobs involving emerging technologies including AI.

People

Senior execs group pushes OPM re-org

As part of a plan to revitalize federal employment, the Senior Executives Association is looking to take the government's top human resources official out of the political fray with a 5- to 8-year appointment.

People

Navy, Marines look to boost virtual ‘sailorization’ for recruits

Wwhile recruits are under restricted movement orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19 , the Navy and Marine Corps are using a distributed learning environment where lessons to recruits are pushed to wireless devices.

Cybersecurity

Air Force touts Digital U tech reskilling effort

Micro-credentialing and new data projects are being used to reward airmen, the Air Force's deputy CIO says.

Acquisition

VA delays rollout of new electronic health record

The scheduled March 28 launch of the agency's $16 billion health record system is being pushed back at least until the end of April.

People

OPM pushes plan to fast-track hires of former feds

Under a new rule proposed by the Office of Personnel Management, agencies would be able to offer reinstatement and higher pay grades to former federal employees who are looking to return to government after acquiring new skills.