Route Fifty

The States Where The Most Confederate Symbols Were Removed Last Year

The Southern Poverty Law Center says nationwide over 160 monuments and other symbols came down from public spaces.

Pay & Benefits

Senate COVID Relief Bill Retains 15 Weeks of Paid Leave for Feds Despite GOP Opposition

Republican lawmakers have made the provision a target of attacks, claiming it is too generous and lacks oversight.

Management

OMB Nominees Pledge to Avoid Future Shutdowns, Improve Budget Stewardship

Biden’s picks for deputy director and deputy director for management told lawmakers they are committed to transparency and improving fiscal oversight.

Pay & Benefits

What’s To Like About the TSP

The case for leaving your money in the Thrift Savings Plan after retirement.

Nextgov

Biden’s Pick For Defense Policy Chief Outlines Cyber Deterrence Position

In a contentious nomination hearing, Colin Kahl called for a whole-of-government approach to technology.

Nextgov

DHS Launching Voluntary COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program

Employees will be able to self-report a positive diagnosis through the ServiceNow help desk and official contact tracers will follow up with anyone who might have been exposed.

Management

Federal Housing Finance Agency Improves Its Employee Satisfaction Scores

It’s “important for all federal employees to be regularly reminded about the bigger impact they have,” said Director Mark Calabria. 

Management

We Already Have the Tool We Need to Get the Most Out of Federal Contractors

It’s called CPARS, and we’re just not using it the way we should.

Defense

D.C. Guard Commander Says ‘Unusual’ Restrictions Prevented Swift Response To Capitol Riot

“I believe that number could have made a difference,” he said.

Defense

Space Force Sounds like a Joke Thanks to Pop Culture – that Could Be a Problem for An Important Military Branch

Science fiction has often had an inspirational and positive relationship with space endeavors. But the new Space Force is struggling with a pop culture public relations problem.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: Biden's Workforce Czar, Morale and Feds

Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss Pam Coleman's role and other pay and workforce news.

Pay & Benefits

USPS Announces Workforce Attrition Measures to Accompany Reorganized Structure

The Postal Service is centralizing some of its functions, and some positions are on the chopping block.

Route Fifty

Biden Criticizes ‘Neanderthal Thinking’ as Two Governors Roll Back Mask Mandates

The Republican governors of Texas and Mississippi this week announced plans to ease public health restrictions, prompting the rebuke from the president.

Nextgov

CIOs’ Wishlist for New Congress and Administration IT Leadership

Three department IT leaders share their top asks from the new Congress and yet-to-be-appointed federal CIO.

Workforce

Coronavirus Roundup: Watchdogs Suggest Improvements for IRS and OSHA’s Pandemic Operations

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Pay & Benefits

Biden Administration Brings Back Presidential Rank Awards

The Office of Personnel Management is fielding nominations for the annual awards for senior federal workers, after last year’s iteration of the program was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Workforce

When Your Chance for a COVID-19 Shot Comes, Don’t Worry About the Numbers

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine that the FDA cleared Saturday was 66% effective overall in preventing moderate to severe covid, while the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were more than 90% effective. But the numbers aren’t exactly comparable. And all three shots prevent hospitalization and death.