Modernization

DOD could get permanent telework capability in 2021

The Defense Department wants to convert its key telework tool, the Commercial Virtual Remote (CVR) environment, to a permanent capability by next summer.

People

New House bill aims to halt Trump's civil service revamp

The Saving the Civil Service Act would block last week's executive order creating new classification of career federal employees in certain key roles and reverse any personnel moves made as a result of the order.

People

OPM directs agencies on civil service overhaul

A memo from acting personnel chief Michael Rigas told agencies they could look outside the boundaries of a recent executive order for jobs to reclassify, but that the Office of Personnel Management would make final determination.

Modernization

A post-COVID IT roadmap

It's time to start talking about the next steps we need to take to ensure that our IT infrastructure and tools can continue to support the remote workers, while providing state-of-the-art, timely customer service

People

House Dems mull response Trump's order to remake the civil service

The presidential election is one obvious check on the recent executive order to reclassify many federal civil servants as at-will employees, but congressional Democrats are looking at other ways to block the new policy.

People

Trump order creates Schedule F, to speed hiring and firing in key positions

The Oct. 21 executive order looks to reshape the competitive service by allowing agencies to reclassify policy jobs under a new schedule and give senior managers greater flexibility in hiring candidates and firing employees.

People

GSA unveils first NewPay service

The General Services Administration is talking with federal agency users to further develop its NewPay shared service offering rolled out in September.

People

House bill looks to boost COLA for Social Security recipients, federal retirees

The bill uses a different cost-of-living adjustment index to bring the adjustment to 3%.

Acquisition

Watchdog: DHS needs to keep a closer eye on acquisition qualifications

The Department of Homeland Security needs to be consistent in nominating and designating acquisition oversight officials.

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.

Digital Government

GSA announces 2021 Presidential Innovation Fellows

The upcoming group is the most diverse cohort to date, including 34 fellows that will work across 22 federal agencies.

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.

Modernization

How a telework bill can boost security, modernization

The bipartisan Pandemic Federal Telework Act would make technology and security an integral part of telework planning and data reporting.

Digital Government

Solving the Army's data talent problem

The Army needs to develop specific skill sets and retool or retrain existing workforce, said Mark Gorak, the director of people analytics for the Assistant Secretary of the Army Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

Digital Government

How the Army's new pay system upgrade could improve talent management

The Army is planning to field an app-friendly human resources system that could hold the data needed to improve its workforce.

People

Feds to see average 4.9% hike in health premiums in 2021

The coronavirus pandemic was a driver in keeping premium hikes lower than otherwise would have been the case, according to an OPM official.

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.

Cybersecurity

Workforce changes needed to make IC more agile, report says

A new congressional report wants the intelligence community to reform its personnel practices as well as take a few cues from the Defense Department to speed innovation.