People

How feds can access TSP loans during shutdowns

During the 35-day shutdown in 2018, the government's retirement savings system saw a spike in withdrawals from federal employees looking to make ends meet without regular paychecks.

Acquisition

White House orders federal contractors vaccinated by Dec. 8

New COVID-19 guidance directs federal contractors and subcontractors to make sure their employees are vaccinated — the latest in a series of new vaccine requirements the White House has been rolling out in recent weeks.

Cybersecurity

Shutdown looms as Congress faces spending deadlines

Most agencies are still operating under shutdown plans crafted under the Trump administration, but there are provisions for continuing pandemic programs and operations.

Cybersecurity

Lessons of the Cyber Reskilling Academy

The leaders who orchestrated a reskilling program meant to transform feds into cyber defense analysts have some takeaways.

People

MSPB nominees hope to triage massive backlog of cases

The board will also likely have to address fallout from disciplinary measures taken as the federal employee COVID-19 vaccine mandate takes effect.

People

Telework is the new normal for Air Force Materiel Command

Air Force Materiel Command is preparing to have half of its headquarters personnel working remotely at least some of the time, Commander Gen. Arnold Bunch said.

People

NDAA cyber reserve proposal revised with labor in mind

A federal employee union still has concerns about a permanent National Digital Reserve Corps at the General Services Administration.

Modernization

Post-pandemic IT leadership

The rush to maximum telework did more than showcase the importance of IT -- it also forced them to rethink their own operations.

People

BLM to bring leadership back to D.C.

The Interior Department is reversing a Trump administration move to put the Bureau of Land Management in Grand Junction, Colo., but the new outpost will now serve as a Western headquarters.

People

AFGE looks to block Cyber Command reserve program in NDAA

A proposed amendment to the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act to pilot a cybersecurity reserve force at the Department of Defense would weaken merit systems principles, according to the largest federal employee union.

People

What will the new Digital Corps look like?

Technology talent with a desire to serve is out there, says Chris Kaung. There just aren't many places for them to get into public service early in their careers. The U.S. Digital Corps is meant to fix that.

Acquisition

How the Pentagon copes with funding hiccups

The Government Accountability Office examines some of the Defense Department's tactics to lessen the effects of inconsistent funding during continuing resolutions.

People

Biden's COVID vaccination mandate for feds has a deadline

Federal employees have until November 22 to comply with the administration's vaccination mandate

People

OPM looks to modernize IT, set up revolving fund

In a report to Congress, the Office of Personnel Management said it largely agreed with a set of recommendations from the National Academy of Public Administration about the future of the HR agency.

Cybersecurity

Report: Fostering a diverse cybersecurity workforce

Experts at an Aspen Institute event explained some roadblocks to cultivating a diverse cybersecurity workforce and offered potential solutions, including putting less reliance on formal certification.

People

Biden mandates COVID vaccine for feds, contractors

The vaccine mandate will supplant administration workforce policy put in place in July that requires either vaccinations or regular testing for federal employees.

Modernization

IRS dips into enforcement funds, user fees for IT

"Each year, the IRS must take extraordinary measures to fund IT," IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig explained in an August letter to three senators.

Acquisition

Feds get more guidance on COVID vaccination, testing

The Biden administration is eyeing booster shots for some Americans, but for its vaccination and testing program for federal employees, those who are two weeks out from a completed vaccination are considered covered without a booster shot, for now.

People

Biden names pick for final MSPB slot

The Merit Systems Protection Board has been without a quorum for over four years and has a backlog of more than 3,000 appeals.

Digital Government

GSA launches new Digital Corps to attract early-career techies

The first cohort of the new program, which launches in the fall, will focus on pandemic response, the economy, cybersecurity and streamlining government services.