Route Fifty
Infrastructure Bill Includes $1B for State and Local Cybersecurity
In addition to the grant program, other provisions in the bipartisan proposal would enhance cybersecurity for local utilities and water systems.
Workforce
Agencies Struggle to Implement Mass Testing for Unvaccinated Feds
The Biden administration is requiring at least weekly COVID-19 testing for the unvaccinated, but the White House has offered few details about how that will happen.
Nextgov
Advisory Details How to Defend Container Tech from Crypto Miners
Old fashioned data theft is still the main reason adversaries are targeting a popular open-source application management system.
Management
Contracting Association Calls for Extension of COVID-19 Leave Provision
This will help the government prepare for the next emergency, says the Professional Services Council.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: White House Will Be Looking Into the Possibility of More Vaccine Requirements for Feds
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Top Admiral: Defense Firms Are Lobbying Against the Weapons the US Navy Needs
Adm. Mike Gilday also accused companies of slow-rolling ship repair.
Workforce
Shrinking the Tax Gap Requires a Renewed IRS Workforce
Congress must give the agency statutory authority to develop and implement a new set of civil service rules if it is to hire and hold accountable employees with the necessary skills.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: A New Vaccine Rule For On-Site Federal Employees
Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to discuss how Biden's announcement will affect feds and contractors.
Employee Policy
DOD could face $4 billion in pandemic reimbursement payments for contractors
According to a GAO report, the Defense Department may have $4 billion in eligible reimbursements for contractors under the CARES Act.
Employee Policy
Education Dept. must address Trump-era violations
The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) has ordered a hearing on multiple charges of federal labor law violations brought against the Department of Education's management, all committed during the term of the previous administration.
Oversight
Social Security 'Overwhelmed' by Mail, Infuriating Customers Seeking Documents
With most employees teleworking during the pandemic, the watchdog faulted the agency for not having a system to track and return customers’ identification documents.
Nextgov
The White House Is Deciding Whether to Support a Bureau of Cyber Statistics
A key senator introduced a bill containing one of the more controversial recommendations of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
Route Fifty
What One City Hopes to Learn by Pausing Use of Facial Recognition Technology
A ban in Baltimore would restrict the city from purchasing facial recognition technology and temporarily restrict use by city agencies, residents and businesses (but not the police).
Management
Bipartisan Deal Creates Special Hiring, Pay Authorities for New Agency to Launch Infrastructure Projects
Agency would mirror organizations within the departments of Defense and Energy.
Nextgov
Senators Introduce Bill to Help Agencies Counter Deepfakes and Deceptive Media
The proposal would create a Department of Homeland Security-led task force to pinpoint technologies useful to trace content back to inception.
Oversight
FBI Agent Used Photos of Young Female Support Staff in Undercover Sex Stings
The images, of staffers not certified to work on undercover investigations, potentially put the women in danger, IG says.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Funds Show Modest Gains in July
Only one of the portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program lost value last month.
Defense
First Afghan Interpreters Arrive in Virginia
More than 200 Afghans are expected to spend a week at Fort Lee before being resettled.
Tech
GovExec Daily: Rebuilding Trust in Government by Improving Digital Customer Service
Former GSA CIO Casey Coleman joins the podcast to discuss a new report about digital engagement and government.
Employee Policy