Employee Policy
Security clearance process needs fixing, but solution is elusive
Democratic and Republican lawmakers agree that the federal government's security clearance process needs to be fixed, but they are far apart on just how to do it.
Benefits
Tricare for Life pharmacy pilot begins in March
Beneficiaries of Tricare for Life soon will be getting letters notifying them of a new pharmacy pilot program.
Management
Kerry to Name Special Envoy for Arctic Region
Alaska's senators had called for the creation of the position.
Retirement
Insight by Mike Causey: Million-dollar question
Does your retirement package have a bull's eye on its back? Will it be there when you need it, and will it be enough?
Retirement
January retirements lower than expected
Federal retirement claims increased in January, but the number was several thousand below projections, according to new numbers from the Office of Personnel Management.
Employee Policy
Group: Don't target contractors
A trade group that represents professional and technical services industries that serve the federal government warned against vilifying contractors amid recent allegations that one firm took shortcuts in conducting thousands of federal security clearances
Retirement
Informed Investor: Understanding TSP contribution limits: Part II
This second of two columns discussing Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution limits examines what happens if an employee contributes to more than one defined contribution plan during the year. Those employees whose total contributions to multiple plans during 2013 exceeded the annual contribution limits need to take action before March 15, 2014.
Employee Policy
Congress OKs suspension of debt limit
Congress last week passed legislation to suspend the federal debt limit for slightly more than one year.
Pay
Congress votes to repeal military COLA cut
Congress voted last week to repeal a recently passed reduction in retirement pay for military retirees under the age of 62.
Pay
Law enforcement group slams DHS overtime move
This week, FEND interviews Jon Adler, national president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. Recently, FLEOA has criticized the Department of Homeland Security for its recently announced decision to end administratively uncontrollable overtime, better known as AUO, for certain employees.
Employee Policy
USPS reports losses; postal reform bill advances
The U.S. Postal Service this month reported some improvements in its overall financial picture in the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year, but the agency said it nonetheless finished the quarter with a net loss of $354 million.
Retirement
Federal Benefits Q&A
Question: "Are Roth TSP contribution limits different than Roth IRA limits? Can I contribute all $17,500 into the Roth? Also, when I retire can I then transfer the Roth portion to a Roth IRA? Finally, can I start a Roth IRA at that time, or do I need a prior IRA to transfer it to?
Oversight
Is Hillary Clinton Really a 100 Percent Lock to Run?
Entering a presidential race is effectively a nine-year commitment: one year to run, another eight if she runs for reelection and wins.
Management
Consumer Bureau Comes Under Fresh Attack
House Republicans and some in banking industry persist with legal and legislative challenges.
Nextgov
Should You Edit Your Agency's Wikipedia Page? Probably Not
But the online encyclopedia would love your help on other articles.
Defense
USAID Withdraws Request for 'Attractive' Images of Work in Afghanistan
Agency says the idea was to provide Afghans a view of the help Americans are providing, but the effort is being reevaluated.
Management
Where Will Government’s Next Leaders Come From?
Despite the challenges of public service, it's a golden opportunity to create value.
Pay & Benefits