Management
What Might a Second Biden Term Mean for Feds? Here’s a Look at The First
Revoking Schedule F, boosting diversity and equity, and restoring scientific integrity has been some of the Biden administration's accomplishments and goals.
Oversight
80 Is Different in 2023 Than in 1776 – but Even Back Then, a Grizzled Franklin Led Alongside a Young Hamilton
Americans have long nurtured mixed feelings about age and aged leaders. Yet during the country’s founding, a young America admired venerable old sages.
Management
The Federal Government Accidentally Burned down Their Houses, Then Made It Hard to Come Home
FEMA told survivors of the largest wildfire in N.M. history that it aimed to put temporary housing on their land. But because of its strict, slow bureaucracy, that has happened only twice.
Workforce
USERRA and Federal Employees
Employment attorney Allen Shoikhetbrod joins the podcast to discus recent news about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
Workforce
Conservative Think Tanks Are Preparing a List of 20K Potential Political Appointees in Hopes of Reviving Schedule F
A coalition led by the Heritage Foundation has launched a massive recruitment effort that would grow the ranks of federal political appointees from 4,000 to 20,000 in the next Republican presidential administration.
Oversight
Health and Human Services Watchdog: We Need More Funding for Oversight
The office touts its return on investment, but tells lawmakers that current funding levels don’t keep pace with investigative needs.
Defense
The U.S. Space Command Wants Red Phones With China, Russia
Global norms and mil-to-mil hotlines are urgently needed as the prospects for war in space rise.
Tech
The Homeland Security Department Announces Its First-Ever AI Task Force
The department will look to better understand artificial intelligence and deploy it in security operations.
Oversight
COVID Aid Appears Safe from a Republican Clawback
The House GOP debt limit proposal would dramatically reduce spending and increase SNAP work requirements, but it would not take back the pandemic relief funds already in governments’ hands.
Pay & Benefits
What Feds Need to Know About Getting the Most Out of the TSP
Abraham Grungold joins the podcast to discuss his decades of experience with the Thrift Savings Plan.
Management
ATF Director Reminds Staff To Follow the Rules When Recruiting Family and Friends
The Justice Department watchdog raised concerns last December about avoiding ethical issues when hiring special agents.
Defense
The Pentagon Is Increasingly Relying on Billionaires’ Rockets. And It’s OK with That.
Space Force leaders say carefully written contracts can prevent things like SpaceX’s about-face on Ukrainian satcomms.
Management
A New Report Highlights Procurement Innovation Hubs That May Help Achieve White House Equity Goals
The Partnership for Public Service report identified specific case studies across the federal procurement community that modeled collaboration and could advance White House policies on equity, sustainability and modernization.
Management
Coronavirus Roundup: Vaccines for the Uninsured; Additional Shots for Certain Groups
There’s a lot to keep track of. Here’s a list of this week’s news updates and stories you may have missed.
Tech
House Lawmakers Coalesce Around Bipartisan Fixes to VA’s Electronic Health Records System
The top Democrat and Republican on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee have started bipartisan negotiations to address the Veterans Affairs Department’s troubled rollout of its new electronic health record system.
Workforce
For Better Virtual Meetings, Take Turns
Most people work just as efficiently in virtual meetings. But something is missing that could make them better: Taking turns.
Management
Agencies Would Suffer 'Egregious Harm' Under GOP Debt Ceiling Proposal, Federal Employee Union Says
House Republicans’ plan to raise the debt ceiling in conjunction with a 20% cut in discretionary spending would hurt public services, AFGE says.
Pay & Benefits
Getting Credit for Your Work
Carefully documenting previous military or civilian service can lead to an earlier retirement and a bigger benefit.
Management
Management of the Federal Prisons System Is Added to GAO’s High-Risk List
The federal government made improvements in other areas including veterans health care and the Postal Service’s financial viability.
Defense