Pay & Benefits
Feds to Receive Administrative Leave for Vaccinations
New guidance from the White House Safer Federal Workforce Task Force simplifies the process for federal employees to receive leave to get themselves or family members vaccinated.
Defense
Not For the First Time, COVID Takes Back Seat to a More Pressing Crisis
The evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan depends on cramming people into closed spaces—during a global pandemic.
Management
The Future of Work Is Flexible
Even for national security workers, remote work options will be more prevalent in the post-COVID era.
Defense
Number of Objects in Low Earth Orbit Jumps 22% in 2 Years: Space Operations Command
Need to track, detect objects driving need for new space domain awareness investment.
Defense
Afghanistan Airlift Ops Have Rescued 101,300 From Kabul
But numbers out each day are dropping as Taliban tighten grip on airport, security threats rise.
Management
The FDA Approved Pfizer’s Vaccine. What Does that Mean for Kids under 12?
The White House’s COVID-19 task force explains the recommendation on boosters and urges caution on off-label vaccines for young children.
Tech
GovExec Daily: UFOs and the Pentagon
Nextgov's Brandi Vincent speaks to former Sen. Harry Reid about the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program and how the government is monitoring the threats.
Nextgov
White House Tasks NIST with Producing Another Cybersecurity Framework
The administration touted private-sector commitments to improve cybersecurity through training and design.
Management
Republicans Demand Answers on Ouster of Social Security Commissioner
GOP lawmakers call the firing of Andrew Saul “unlawful” and ask the comptroller general to outline how acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi’s powers may be constrained by the Vacancies Act.
Route Fifty
Only 11% in Rental Assistance Spent, Treasury Department Prepares to Reallocate Unspent Aid
State and local rental assistance programs have doled out little of the $46.5 billion in emergency rental assistance and jurisdictions that don’t disperse money soon could have to return it.
Nextgov
DHS Launching First Federal Civilian Position Exempt from Longevity Requirements
The Cyber Talent Management System has been in the works since a 2014 law granted the department authorities to sidestep rigid classification formats such as the General Schedule.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Adopts Slight Budget Decrease for Fiscal 2022
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Oversight
Lawmakers Demand Documents From Many Agencies on Jan. 6 Preparation and Response
Information will include how agencies deployed resources and potentially impeded the presidential transition.
Defense
Air Force’s Kendall Creates Space Acquisition Office, Accelerates Absorption of Space Development Agency
And the new service secretary is asking Congress to allow him to move faster yet.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Still No FDA Chief Nominee, CDC Opens New Southeast Asia Regional Office
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Biden Holds to Aug. 31 Evacuation Deadline, But Orders Up ‘Contingency Plans’ for Afghanistan Pullout
Military, contracted planes have airlifted 87,900 people from Kabul as of Wednesday—but the Taliban is now clamping down on who can leave.
Exclusive
Defense
Kabul Evacuee With Potential ISIS Ties Detained at Qatar Base
Up to 100 evacuees have been flagged for further scrutiny during the more comprehensive screening they received at their first stop after Afghanistan.
Workforce
Most Americans Are OK with Vaccine Mandates in Certain Places
As Delta variant cases are on the rise, a new poll shows how Americans feel about COVID-19 vaccine mandates for some events and certain workers.
Workforce