People

USDA finalizes more expansive telework, remote work policies

The new policy reverses telework restrictions put in place during the Trump administration before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

People

New OPM ‘playbook’ supports government hiring surge

Agencies need to staff up to implement the bipartisan infrastructure law, OPM says.

People

Connolly presses for legislation on telework, internships and OPM

A new bill on federal internships would require interns be paid and create a central online source of information on federal internships, among other measures.

People

White House asks agencies to delay consequences for vaccine mandate violations

Agencies have the power to decide how to discipline unvaccinated feds, but the White House is encouraging them to go beyond education, counseling and letters of reprimand until after the holidays.

People

Connolly introduces bill to 'rebuild' OPM

One goal of the bill is to ensure that future OPM directors are nonpartisan.

People

White House rolls out DEIA strategy

On Tuesday, the Biden administration issued agencies a roadmap to guide their efforts to develop strategic plans for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), as required under a as required under a June executive order.

Acquisition

New rule puts $15 minimum wage for federal contractors in place next year

Employees working on federal contracts will have a $15 minimum wage starting on Jan. 30, 2022, per a new rule issued by the Labor Department on Monday.

People

White House says 90% of feds are vaccinated

The deadline for the administration’s mandate for feds to get vaccinated is here, but agencies still have to process exemption requests and go through the discipline process for anyone not in compliance.

People

What agency tech leaders think about a U.S. Digital Service Academy

Agency tech leaders sounded off to the Government Accountability Office about the prospect of launching a digital service training school modeled on the military service academies to bring more tech talent into government.

People

White House releases 'vision' for management agenda

The coming president's management agenda will stress the federal workforce, customer service user experience and equity as well as a push to build capacity in financial management and improve acquisition.

People

Recruitment is top of mind for OPM's Kiran Ahuja

"If we want the best talent meeting America's needs, then we need to be smart about creating opportunities for them," Office of Personnel Management Director Kiran Ahuja said at an event hosted by FCW.

People

Vaccine mandate, holiday travel season loom for TSA workforce

The Transportation Security Administration told FCW that it doesn't expect the upcoming deadline for feds to comply with vaccination requirements to cause disruptions.

Cybersecurity

New cyber talent system, years in the making, goes into effect at DHS

Agency officials estimate that around 1,000 of its 1,500 cyber vacancies could fit into the new scheme.

People

OPM updates decade-old telework guide

The Office of Personnel Management is asking agencies to rethink their approach to work in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modernization

The struggle to modernize state UI systems

The Labor Department and the U.S. Digital Service are taking a central role in efforts to develop modernized, modular UI technology for states.

People

Union complains of 'double standard' for fed and contractor vaccine mandates

The American Federation of Government employees is asking policymakers to put federal employees and contractors on the same clock when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

People

SSA plans to bring workers back to the office

Field office and teleservice employees at the Social Security Administration will still have some ability to telework even after the agency implements a "reentry process" for managers and staff.

Acquisition

Labor Department rolls back Trump-era religious exemption for contractors

DOL announced it would undo a rule that was criticized by civil rights activists as easing the ability of some federal contractors to discriminate when making hiring decisions.

People

OPM rule gives agencies more direct-hire authority for recent college grads

The new authority is being billed by the Office of Personnel Management as s one more tool for agencies to bring in young talent and fill critical talent gaps.

Acquisition

White House extends vaccine deadline for contractors

Federal contractors have until Jan. 4, 2022 to comply with White House vaccination requirements.