Management

Executive Order Will Ban Contractors from Discriminating Against Gay Employees

Plan is to pressure Congress to pass broader law applying to employers nationwide, according to reports.

Nextgov

Agencies Graded B- on Mobility

Many federal managers say their agencies aren't taking full advantage of mobile technologies, study finds.

Defense

Hillary Clinton's 'Wicked' Iraq Problem

Potential presidential candidate is stuck between war-weary Democrats and hawkish Republicans eager to paint her as weak.

Oversight

Did the IRS Really Lose Lois Lerner's Emails? Let a Special Prosecutor Find Them.

Obama needs to address this 'phony scandal' and the public trust with real transparency.

Management

Can We Create a High Quality Government?

Improving the culture of federal service would be an essential step.

Employee Policy

Creating a culture of accountability

No one in a leadership position wants to hear bad news, that programs or polices are not working as expected, or that irregularities and deceptive practices are undermining an organization's mission, reputation and bottom line. But smart leaders know they need to hear this.

Financial Planning

Bill would give tax break to feds in combat zones

Proposed legislation would grant federal employees working in combat zones the same tax credit military personnel currently get.

Benefits

Senate bill likely to draw more vets into VA health care system, CBO says

A Senate bill aimed at improving veterans' access to care at the Department of Veterans Affairs could carry a hefty price tag, according to a preliminary assessment of one portion of the bill by the Congressional Budget Office.

Pay

Labor Dept. moves to raise minimum wage for federal contract workers

The Labor Department last week announced a proposed rule that will raise the minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts to $10.10 an hour.

Defense One

Will Sgt. Bergdahl Stay in the Army?

Amid questions of whether or not Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl left his post in 2009, the Army makes plans for him to stay. By Molly O’Toole

Defense One

The Pros and Cons of U.S. Drone Strikes in Iraq

The easiest option against ISIS politically might also be the least effective. By Patrick Tucker

Nextgov

The FBI Is Getting Its Own, Personal 3D Printer for Studying Bombs

One Stratasys Objet24 desktop-sized machine will be delivered to Quantico for forensic analysis of IEDs.

Management

Why Some Air Traffic Controllers Are Too Tired to Safely Navigate Planes

New report recommends overhaul of FAA’s hiring and scheduling procedures.

Management

Pentagon Ranks Top Suppliers to Spark Competition Among Contractors

Move is part of ongoing bid to improve acquisition.

Nextgov

Hackers Hit Tweetdeck, Eat Chinese Food and Expose an STD

Just another week in ThreatWatch, our regularly updated index of noteworthy data breaches.

Management

How I Lead: Behind the Scenes So Others Can Succeed

A conversation with workforce manager Cherlyn ‘Sunny’ Hester.

Nextgov

An Extra 14 Percent Keeps Cyber Pros at State -- Just Don't Call It a Bonus

Incentive program helps the department retain cyber talent.

Management

Labor Gets Ready to Raise the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors

Secretary says the boost slated to take effect Jan. 1, 2015, will improve government services.

Pay & Benefits

Bill Would Give Civilian Employees in Combat Zones Tax Break

Reintroduced legislation aims to create benefit parity between civilians and military personnel working in dangerous places.

Defense One

Obama to Iraq: ‘We Can’t Do This for You’

President Obama says any decision to intervene will depend on whether Iraq can take control ‘without resorting to war or relying on the United States military.’ By Stephanie Gaskell and Molly O’Toole