Nextgov
The Other Cyber Threat that Merits an FBI Warning Amid COVID-19
Zoombombing got all the attention but another threat could hurt financially.
Nextgov
Agencies Have Spent At Least $2.6B on COVID-19 Supplies and Services
That number only reflects properly tagged procurements—real dollars spent in response to the coronavirus outbreak are significantly higher.
Oversight
Trump Administration Draws Fire for New Description of National Stockpile
The changed website language reflects controversial comments by Jared Kushner that downplayed the federal role.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Lawmakers Seek Protections for Military Families, National Service Participants
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Oversight
No, Mr. President, You Can’t Be the Oversight
Trump’s signing statement attempts to preclude the special inspector general for pandemic recovery from reporting directly to Congress, which is anathema to the role of an IG.
Defense
Army Wants To Train Hundreds of Soldiers in Coronavirus ‘Safety Bubbles’
Entire companies and battalions could be isolated in the field for a month, Secretary McCarthy said in an interview.
Defense
Aircraft Carrier Captain Fired For ‘Poor Judgement’ In Sending Coronavirus Letter
Acting Secretary Modly’s Thursday decision to sack the skipper of Theodore Roosevelt was quickly criticized as retaliation for embarrassing Navy leaders.
Employee Policy
Feds’ growing exposure to COVID-19
Thousands of feds have likely been exposed to COVID-19, many of them in the workplace.
Management
4 Weird Things that Happen When You Videoconference
An educational technology scholar illuminates some of odd feelings people experience when they communicate through cameras on the web.
Employee Policy
VA’s whistleblower protection act cannot be applied retroactively, court says
A federal appeals court ruled on March 31 that the Department of Veterans Affairs had improperly employed a 2017 workforce law to fire pharmacy doctor Jeffrey Sayers.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Pivoting to Virtual Work Environments
Jacquelyn Phillips had to change a 90-person meeting from an in-person event to a virtual one. She joins the podcast to explain how she did it and how she continues to lead staff remotely during the pandemic.
Employee Policy
IRS details 'maxiflex' temporary work schedule
The IRS, which is operating under an evacuation order that mandates telework for all eligible employees, released new guidance outlining its flexible work schedule policy.
Route Fifty
Are Gun Stores Essential During a Pandemic? Depends on Where You Live
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued guidance that deems firearms stores essential services, but state and local governments have drawn different conclusions on whether gun stores should remain open.
Workforce
Thousands of Federal Employees Have Contracted COVID-19
Many more are quarantined due to possible exposure as employees are on the frontlines fighting the coronavirus and providing essential services.
Oversight
Where’s the Money? Keep an Eye on the CARES Act
With the passage of the $2.3 trillion economic relief bill, things are happening at breakneck speed.
Management
OMB Isn’t Requiring Agencies to Extend Public Comment Periods for Rulemaking During Coronavirus
OMB says the agencies have the discretion to make their own decisions.
Nextgov
Justice, HHS Redistribute More than 500,000 Pieces of Protective Gear Seized from Hoarder
Emergency medical supplies peddled by price gougers were redistributed to front line medical personnel in New York and New Jersey.
Pay & Benefits
Federal HR Leaders Want a Comprehensive Review of the Government's Pay System
In the fiscal 2019 governmentwide human capital survey, agency officials said a lack of funding and the General Schedule are "significant obstacles" to achieving their goals.
Pay & Benefits
In Case You’re Wondering What You’d Make in Retirement
It’s fairly easy to calculate your own estimate of your benefit.
Route Fifty