People

Diversity and the cyber workforce

Data shows that the federal cybersecurity workforce is less diverse than the government overall, but addressing the disparity will take more than hiring more diverse employees, say DEIA experts and federal tech executives.

Digital Government

No easy fix for ID verification for government benefits

While states are looking for turnkey solutions to qualify applicants for government programs, many individuals without the right credentials can fall between the cracks.

Modernization

Connolly, Issa launch IT modernization caucus

The lawmakers behind the FITARA legislation are establishing a new caucus centered around IT modernization issues.

Digital Government

Deputy CIO Maria Roat to Retire in March

Roat has been in senior government technology management roles for over 15 years and her government career, including military service, has spanned over 40 years.

People

Deputy CIO Maria Roat to retire in March

Roat has been in senior government technology management roles for over 15 years and her government career, including military service, has spanned over 40 years.

Modernization

HHS releases long-awaited electronic health info sharing framework

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT released the long-awaited Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement on Tuesday.

Digital Government

USPS, USDS collaborate on new COVID-19 test website

The United States Postal Service and United States Digital Service have been working on a new website for Americans to order free, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests. The administration is confident it won't crash in meeting massive demand.

People

Ferriero to retire from National Archives

Archivist of the United States David Ferriero is retiring from his post in April after 12 years in the position.

Digital Government

Biden's CX order puts new momentum behind longtime efforts, leaders say

Officials at an ACT-IAC event explained how a recent White House executive order on customer experience is helping to unify disparate CX efforts across government.

People

DHS launches new program to recruit, train climate professionals

The program, designed to recruit recent graduates as well as current federal employees, is one of the department's efforts meant to focus DHS on adapting to climate change.

People

MSPB passes five-year mark without a quorum

Without a quorum on the Merit Systems Protection Board, the board is unable to issue decisions for appeals, leaving thousands in limbo and a critical part of the civil service system non-functional.

People

OPM prods agencies to name chief diversity officers

The Office of Personnel Management followed up on an executive order on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in a letter released Monday on chief diversity officers. OPM is establishing a forum for these officials, it says.

Acquisition

Supreme Court hearing turns to the contractor mandate

Chief Justice John Roberts invoked the federal contractor mandate – currently blocked from taking effect due to a lawsuit – at a hearing at which two separate vaccine authority cases were argued on Friday.

People

Appeals court deals another blow to Biden's contractor vaccine mandate

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit said in a Wednesday decision that Biden's mandate likely goes beyond authority given in the Procurement Act and denied the administration's request that an injunction in three states be lifted.

Digital Government

Streamlining delivery at USDA

Rebecca Piazza, former 18F acting executive director, is working at USDA on customer experience in food and nutrition benefits. The hope is that the work could increase participation in programs by taking away administrative burdens.

People

OPM disputes 2021 court ruling on firing feds for poor performance

Comments from the Office of Personnel Management in a recent rulemaking could change how agencies approach performance improvement plans and termination for cause.

Modernization

OPM faces uncertain funding prospects

The federal government’s human resources agency is still dealing with budget shortfalls arising from moving background checks to the Department of Defense, and the prospect of a full-year continuing resolution could exacerbate existing pressures.

Digital Government

White House releases ‘learning agenda’ draft for PMA

The public, especially researchers and public servants, can submit feedback on the draft through Jan. 31.

People

Bill to train acquisition workforce on AI clears Senate

The bill will help the U.S. stay afloat in global competition on artificial intelligence, its sponsors on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee say.