Tech
Opinion: Is There a Place For Spirituality in Space Science?
A top NASA official’s biblical remarks about the James Webb Space Telescope sparked an outcry. But they’re nothing new.
Management
Using Behavioral Science is One Way to Increase Satisfaction With Government Services
The success of the new federal COVID test kit website shows what behavioral science can offer to help make services more accessible.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Marijuana May Still Be a Problem for Security Clearances
Federal employment attorney Aaron Herreras Szot joins the podcast to discuss the climate around cannabis use and security concerns.
Workforce
The Infrastructure Law Will Require Thousands of New Feds, and the Biden Team Is Giving Special Permission to Hire Them Quickly
OPM is also pushing special hiring authority for HR staff.
Management
Biden’s OMB Nominee Plans to Keep Prioritizing Oversight and Ending Government Shutdowns
Shalanda Young has been acting OMB director for almost a year.
Workforce
An Appeals Court Has Overturned Another Decision That Made Life Harder for Federal Employee Unions
For the second time in a week, a three-judge panel struck down a controversial FLRA policy statement, citing “conclusory and counterintuitive assertions” underlying a decision weakening unions’ ability to negotiate over changes to working conditions.
Management
The House Finally Plans to Vote on Postal Reform Next Week
The long-sought-after bill could make its way to the president's desk by the end of the month.
Defense
Lockheed and Airbus Say They Would Build New Air Force Tankers in Alabama and Georgia
Team takes aim at service’s “bridge tanker” contract against likely rival Boeing.
Oversight
COVID-19 Widows Struggle to Get Benefits as Social Security Offices Remain Closed
The closure of Social Security offices during the pandemic has made getting survivors benefits difficult for the spouses and children of those who’ve died during the pandemic. More than 90 percent of those seeking survivors benefits are women.
Defense
Defense Researchers Lack Consistent Cybersecurity Safeguards, IG Finds
Without an enforceable singular cybersecurity standard, research and academic institutions that develop military technology for the Pentagon could be at increased risk.
Tech
Army Materiel Command is Looking to Advanced Manufacturing to Improve Readiness
Army Materiel Command is planning to implement advanced manufacturing techniques from the depots to the battlespace to help produce parts where needed.
Pay & Benefits
Almost all of the TSP’s Retirement Savings Funds Lost Ground in January
Only the government securities (G) fund grew last month.
Oversight
The EPA Rejects Texas’ More Lenient Standard for Highly Toxic Air Pollutant
In the wake of an investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune into the widely used chemical ethylene oxide, the EPA has moved to reject a less protective standard crafted by Texas regulators and backed by the chemical industry.
Oversight
A Federal Pandemic Watchdog Says its Oversight Money Will Run Out in July
Brian Miller, special inspector general for pandemic recovery, wrote in a new report that $25 million in CARES Act start-up funds is not enough.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Another Pandemic Tax Season is Here
George Washington University's Dr. Joann Weiner joins the podcast to discuss how taxpayers can stay calm with another COVID-19 filing deadline approaching.
Management
Federal Prisons Are Under a National Lockdown After Two Inmate Deaths
This followed an altercation on Monday that led to the deaths.
Management
It’s Day 6 of COVID, and a Rapid Antigen Test Comes Back Positive. Stay Home, Say Virologists.
Say you’re on Day 6 — or 8 or 10 — of a symptomatic COVID infection, and a rapid antigen test comes back positive. Could the test just be detecting bits and pieces of dead virus? If you’re a petri dish, sure. But if you’re a human, chances are you’re still infectious. Virologists weigh in.
Route Fifty
White House Releases Guidebook for Infrastructure Law
It's meant to help state and local officials better understand the programs available under the $1.2 trillion package.
Route Fifty
Democratic Governors Hold Out Hope for Build Back Better Legislation
The state leaders highlighted early childhood care and housing programs as especially important parts of the massive budget bill. But their GOP counterparts are wary of more federal spending.
Workforce