Benefits
VA sends out second round of Veterans Choice Cards
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it began mailing Veterans Choice Cards on Nov. 17 to vets currently waiting for an appointment at a VA facility more than 30 days from their preferred date or from the date medically determined by a physician.
Retirement
TSP to study mutual fund option
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board this week agreed to study a proposal to offer Thrift Savings Plan participants the ability to invest retirement savings in mutual funds of their choice as well as in the current selection of TSP funds.
Benefits
OPM rule would expand FLTCIP eligibility
The Office of Personnel Management last week published a proposed rule that would amend the regulation governing the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) to expand the definition of "qualified relative" to broaden eligibility to apply for coverage under the program.
Nextgov
Is State’s Reluctance to Disclose Hack a Double Standard?
Agency is mum on what happened, as lawmakers demand details on an internal breach.
Management
What Makes a Good Employer?
When it comes to satisfaction at work, some Americans say that money isn't everything.
Oversight
Despite Promises, Path to Avoiding a Shutdown Remains Treacherous
Some lawmakers are again threatening to play political football with agency funding.
Management
Weak Oversight, Poor Coordination Plague DHS Operations
Watchdog praises progress in clean books, grants management.
Management
A Smooth Second Start for Healthcare.gov
More than 100,000 people submitted applications during the first weekend of year two, but controversial comments from Jonathan Gruber and a new polling low kept things complicated for the law.
Route Fifty
Cyberattackers Freeze Detroit Database, Demand 2,000 Bitcoin Ransom
At the North American International Cyber Summit, Mayor Mike Duggan says the city won’t pay up.
Management
Obama's Proposed Executive Action Doesn't Touch the Roots of Immigration Dysfunction
Any steps the White House may soon take won't address the real immigration problem.
Management
What's on Your De-Stress Checklist?
The goal is to get in 100 points worth of de-stressing activities a week.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Board Green Lights More Homework on Mutual Fund Option
Agency staff will craft an implementation plan in 2015 for rolling out the potential new offering for feds.
Management
How Washington Bungled the Solyndra Story
The former head of the Energy Department loan program corrects the record.
Route Fifty
Mapping Oregon’s Wildlife Roadkill; Costly Fence Fight Embroils Louisiana City
Also in our State & Local news roundup: “Ban the Box” troubles in Minnesota and a Pennsylvania municipality with no municipal government.
Management
USAJobs Is Getting Another Makeover
OPM director says the agency is revamping the federal hiring portal, but did not specify a relaunch date.
News
What Are the Lessons Learned from the 2013 Shutdown? Agencies Have No Idea.
Report says agencies did not document how they dealt with last year's shutdown.
Oversight
Government Whistleblowers Deserve Payouts Too
Like private sector employees, feds should be allowed to share in contractor fraud settlements.
Management
Monty Python’s John Cleese on The Secret of Success
The comedy legend says it's important to enjoy the process, and reinvent yourself
Insights
Making Telework Work in Federal Agencies
An increasing number of federal employees are now teleworking, yet agencies still face several technological and culture challenges to success. What changes can agencies make to improve telework communication?
Oversight