Nextgov
Analysts: Pentagon’s Multibillion-Dollar DEOS Contract is Guaranteed for Microsoft
The entire department will be required to adopt whatever platform wins.
Management
Patrick Shanahan’s Endless Limbo
He’s still a contender for the top job at the Department of Defense. But the more he’s in the public eye, the more his obstacles mount.
Management
Emails Show Current FAA Chief Coordinated With Ex-Lobbyist Colleagues on Policy
As he moved through the agency’s ranks, the now-acting FAA Administrator Dan Elwell exchanged dozens of emails with lobbyists and other industry players discussing everything from rolling backing back consumer protections to airport privatization.
Defense
Air Force: We Need $5 Billion To Fix Weather-Damaged Bases
Without the cash, service says it will cut pilot training, ground planes, stop other base construction projects.
Management
Thoughts on the President’s Management Agenda: Kudos… With a Caution
The PMA doesn’t provide adequate guidance on one of the most important levers available to the government to improve performance: acquisition.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The Budget, Betsy DeVos and the Special Olympics
Betsy DeVos was in Congress to defend the controversial cuts.
Route Fifty
Federal Judge Rejects Medicaid Work Requirements in Two States
About 18,000 people lost coverage in Arkansas after the state began requiring some recipients to work 80 hours a month.
Management
A Hollowed-Out IRS Workforce Has Led to a 91 Percent Drop in Investigations of Non-Filing Businesses
IRS no longer has employees with skills for workforce planning, audit finds.
Management
Agriculture Adviser Defends Planned Research Office Moves From D.C.
“A lot of talent doesn’t live here,” says Purdue aide.
Nextgov
The Pentagon is ‘Absolutely Unapologetic’ About Pursuing AI-Powered Weapons
The controversy surrounding military artificial intelligence is rooted in “grave misperceptions” about what the department is actually trying to do, according to current and former Defense officials.
Management
DHS to Tap Multiple Offices to Provide Supplemental Staff for Border Patrol
Top official concedes the deployments will hamper mission-critical activities at employees' home agencies.
Route Fifty
Shelter Animals Become Official State Pets
To highlight the availability of adoptable animals at shelters, lawmakers in several states are giving them a special status.
Defense
Pentagon Begins Moving Border Wall Money Despite House Objection
Acting deputy Norquist cites authorities while defending spending request and audit.
Nextgov
GSA Rescinds All Awards Made on $15B Alliant 2 Small Business Contract
A court decision requires the agency to revisit some of its scoring.
Pay & Benefits
State Approves Law to Protect Feds in Future Shutdowns, and OPM Clarifies Leave Donations
A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.
Route Fifty
State Lawmakers Urge Feds to Deny Grazing Permit for Bison
Some Montana lawmakers oppose "free-roaming" bison, fearing disease and destruction. Proponents say that fear is misguided.
Nextgov
Holding Government Contractors Responsible for Cybersecurity Is Trickier Than It Sounds
Experts told lawmakers the ever-growing list of subcontractors is a complexifier.
Management
New Manager Development: Put Your Back Into It
There’s lots of guidance out there for aspiring managers, but not so much for those charged with promoting and developing these newbies.
Defense