People

White House cyber office 'expects to lead' on workforce strategy

A top official promised that there's "more to come" from the White House cyber office on cybersecurity workforce strategy," calling it a "key priority" on the heels of a report recommending that the Office of the National Cyber Director take the lead on the issue.

People

OMB's Shalanda Young talks TMF, CX and improper payments

Young, who has been leading the Office of Management and Budget on an acting basis since March 2021 when Biden's original pick, Neera Tanden, withdrew from her nomination, is poised for confirmation to the top job.

Cybersecurity

NAPA report backs shift in leadership for cyber workforce development

A new study from the National Academy of Public Administration recommends that the newly established Office of the National Cyber Director develop and implement a coordinated, multi-sector strategy for the cybersecurity workforce, which faces chronic workforce shortages.

Modernization

Labor Department announces grants for states to expand UI access

The latest in a series of grants available to states for unemployment compensation programs focus on improving access to the benefit by partnering with community-based organizations for education about unemployment insurance.

People

Exit interview: Angie Bailey

Angie Bailey was the chief human capital officer at the Department of Homeland Security as it built and launched its own personnel system for cybersecurity personnel. Here's some of what she learned about the government's ability to recruit and retain cybersecurity and IT talent.

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.