Management
State Department's push to cancel hundreds of contracts left behind a trail of mistakes, watchdog finds
Several government oversight reports have found that agencies made costly operational errors as they implemented the administration’s cost-cutting directives.
Pay & Benefits
Walkinshaw to push for federal pay raise in lame duck spending talks
The Northern Virginia congressman also said Thursday that he sees a “path” to restoring federal employees’ collective bargaining rights next year.
Management
USDA’s request to lift stay on employee relocations denied by federal judge
USDA’s second-largest component agency sent “corrected” notices telling employees they were not being relocated, after Government Executive reported that it seemingly violated a court order.
Tech
Justice Department creates new task force to police AI misuse
The group will coordinate the department’s criminal and civil enforcement efforts involving AI and serve as its main link to the White House’s Super Intelligence Force.
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Management
HHS employees face another painful loss amid a year of workplace trauma
News of a SAMHSA employee’s death has brought on a renewed wave of grief for the HHS workforce, which has faced other traumatic experiences in the workplace.
Pay & Benefits
Make these health coverage decisions before you retire
From FEHB eligibility rules to Medicare enrollment deadlines, the right steps before your last day can protect coverage for you and your spouse.
Workforce
These award-winning feds want to advance science for the public good — and challenge stereotypes about government work
The Arthur S. Flemming awards have been around for more than 75 years and generally recognize civil servants who work in scientific fields.
Management
Here’s how the Trump administration may face pushback from a Democrat-controlled Congress
A House committee's top Democrat is reminding agency heads to preserve all records, as the party draws up its post-midterms oversight plans.
Defense
A Democratic Congress could derail major Pentagon plans and put Hegseth under pressure
Funding fights, investigations and potential impeachment proceedings could reshape the Defense Department’s agenda, putting high-profile initiatives such as the Golden Fleet and Autonomous Warfare Command at risk.
Workforce
Post-midterms, federal unions push for pay raise, restoration of bargaining rights
Labor leaders said they are hopeful lawmakers could tackle some priorities in Congress’ "lame duck" session, ahead of Democrats’ formally taking control of both the House and Senate next year.
Management
GSA names new acquisition chief after months with acting leader
Jennifer Hill, a former banking executive who joined the agency in February, will lead the Federal Acquisition Service. GSA also named a new head of its public buildings division.
Oversight
IRS workforce issues prominent among watchdog’s FY27 priorities
Even after substantial workforce cuts last year, the IRS's headcount is “consistent with historical staffing” levels. But TIGTA finds these cuts “occurred rapidly and resulted in the departure of many experienced employees.”
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Management
Trump’s federal workforce overhaul faces a new Congress after Democratic wins
At least one federal employee who separated from the federal government since last year will serve in the House.
Oversight
OPM formally ends FEVS in favor of agency-specific surveys
Federal employees and good government groups warn the promulgation of smaller, shorter surveys means agencies will miss out on important information about the health of their organizations.
Workforce
‘Exit survey’ of former feds finds fears of civil service politicization under Trump — and many willing to return to their agencies
While the Office of Personnel Management has argued that most of the 2025 federal workforce separations were voluntary, academic researchers countered that many of the departing civil servants reported they felt forced into resigning.
Management
USDA asks judge to lift employee relocation stay that ‘significantly hinders’ its operations
The Forest Service says a court's stay prevents it from filling “critical" positions to address wildfires and avalanches. USDA’s research division warns further delays could mean "discontinued employment” for staff.
Tech
Companies warn cyber threat sharing could suffer without new legal protections
A coalition of 35 industry groups is pressing Congress to extend liability safeguards for businesses that share cyberattack data with federal agencies, with the current stopgap set to expire next month.
Pay & Benefits
Most TSP funds decline again in October
Just two of the core portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program finished last month in the black.
Oversight
Musk is the target of a new Democratic bill to curtail political donations from federal contractors
While government contracting companies are already barred from making campaign contributions, a new measure would extend that prohibition to the corporations’ leaders.
Tech