Management

Federal Agencies Don't Yet Have a Plan to Implement Trump's Europe Travel Ban

The guidance is coming soon, an official said. It goes into effect Friday evening.

Management

Some Agencies Reluctant to Embrace Telework and Take Other Precautions, Despite Growing Coronavirus Concerns

Although some agencies have stepped up to protect their workforces as the novel coronavirus outbreak widens, many federal employees report a resistance to remote work and a lack of basic sanitary measures.

Route Fifty

Colorado Sets Up Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Center

Drive-thru testing—free in Colorado to patients with a doctor's order—appeared in a few locations across the country this week. It soon may be much more widespread.

Nextgov

NIST Works on the Industries of the Future in Buildings from the Past

The standards agency updated lawmakers on its artificial intelligence and quantum computing efforts and it’s $775 million deferred maintenance backlog.

Pay & Benefits

Retirement Considerations for Women

Women are more likely to experience a savings shortfall.

Nextgov

Agencies Get Guidance on the Ethics and Rigor Required for Evidence-Based Decision-Making

The second of four policy documents related to the Evidence Act focuses on standards and practices for evaluation officers.

Management

Senator Calls on Administration to Offer Flexibilities on Security Clearance Adjudications for Coronavirus

Sen. Warner wants to ensure that coronavirus financial hardships don’t negatively impact intelligence community employees and contractors.

Nextgov

CDC Demands Airlines Provide More Passenger Data During COVID-19 Outbreak

Airline officials that don’t comply with a new rule could face $500,000 fines and jail time.

Management

Coronavirus Control Measures Aren’t Pointless – Just Slowing down the Pandemic Could Save Millions of Lives

Best case estimates suggest 40 million American adults may come down with COVID-19. But an epidemiologist explains why now is not the time to just give up.

Route Fifty

Democrats, Republicans Race to Shore Up Divisions on Coronavirus Package

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had hoped for a Thursday vote on the legislation, but Republicans said they won’t support the proposal as drafted and pushed for changes.

Management

How the State Department Could Be Rebuilt After the Trump Administration

The damage at the State Department is worse than you imagine—but also more reparable.

Defense

Pentagon Suspends Troop Travel in Affected Countries; Trump Limits Travel from Mainland Europe

Defense Secretary orders 60-day ban on troops, civilians, and families traveling “to, from, or through” Germany, South Korea, Italy, France, others.

Management

The Federalism Divide Is Shading Government’s Response to COVID-19

We can’t afford a government where the odds of an effective attack on the novel coronavirus depend on where citizens live.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: How the Coronavirus Scare is Changing How Feds Work

Nextgov's Heather Kuldell and GovExec's Eric Katz join the podcast to talk about agencies' plans for the workforce as the COVID-19 epidemic grows.

Management

As More Feds Contract Coronavirus, Agencies Scramble to Keep Employees Safe

Federal offices also looking to ensure a continuity of operations as outbreak spreads.

Management

Federal Prison Employees and Others Question BOP’s Readiness for Coronavirus  

There are no confirmed cases yet, but the bureau should have been more “proactive,” said one employee.

Nextgov

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Lab Tap into Supercomputing to Help Combat Coronavirus 

The efforts may eventually support scientists on their quest for the cure.

Nextgov

Senate Committee OKs Bill to Give CISA Subpoena Authority Over Internet Service Providers

Lawmakers are pushing to give the agency more power and resources despite the cuts requested in the president's budget.

Route Fifty

Uniquely Vulnerable During Disease Outbreaks, Prisons and Jails Brace for Coronavirus Cases

Prisons and jails across the country are preparing for the coronavirus, while advocates push for measures to release more people.

Pay & Benefits

OPM Dismisses Union Concerns About Paid Parental Leave Implementation

Agency Director Dale Cabaniss argued that legislative proposals listed as part of OPM's fiscal 2021 budget justification merely sought "clarification" from Congress, and were not intended to set limitations on the new benefit.