Nextgov

FBI Drops Full and Open Competition for $5 Billion IT Recompete

The bureau will turn to GSA’s schedules to fill out its IT Supplies and Support Services contract.

Management

For The Sleep-Deprived, Small Distractions Can Have Dire Results

A new study pinpoints just how much distractions hinder memory for sleep-deprived people, which can keep them from successfully completing tasks.

Tech

Hubble’s Hardware Woes and the Painful Era of Aging Spacecraft

Four of NASA’s most recognizable missions are in “safe mode” or unable to communicate with Earth.

Defense

President Trump Just Called Jim Mattis ‘Sort of a Democrat’

Trump’s description in a testy 60 Minutes interview doesn’t bode well for the defense secretary’s longevity in the Trump cabinet after the midterms.

Oversight

The Backlash to New Rules on Protests in D.C.

The National Park Service is considering restrictions on demonstrations around the White House and the National Mall.

Nextgov

IARPA Wants to Identify Criminals From Their Skin Cells

The goal isn’t to replace DNA analysis but rather add another technology to forensic analysts’ toolbox.

Oversight

Play of the Day: Kanye West Visits The White House

The rapper and President Donald Trump had a meeting and it went just about as expected.

Route Fifty

As Sears Declares Bankruptcy, Sites of Shuttered Stores Present Economic Development Challenges

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Minnesota data breach … Fresno officials scoff at proposed e-scooter fines … and N.Y.C. pension funds warm up to de Blasio divestment plan.

Route Fifty

How a Midsize U.S. City Is Preparing to Host One of the World’s Largest Sporting Events

The IAAF track-and-field world championships are still three years away. Local officials in Eugene, Oregon may be “slightly nervous” but are embracing an “opportunity to really shine.”

Management

For Remote Workers, Virtual Body Language Really Matters

Remote workers don’t have a physical presence, but they still send signals through the way they make themselves “seen” at work.

Defense

In Pacific, U.S. Army Shifts Training from Disaster Relief to War

The change reflects Trump’s defense strategy and rising threats from China and North Korea.

Route Fifty

Outside Utility Crews Ready to Help Restore Water Service in Florida, Georgia

After storms, rural water workers from other states help restore service. Following Hurricane Michael, many were awaiting word that they could access damaged areas.

Nextgov

GSA’s Tech Teams Increasingly Important to Administration’s Tech Priorities

18F and the Technology Transformation Services face a more certain future than just two years ago.

Nextgov

Agencies Can’t Dine and Dash on Technology Modernization Fund, Official Says

Awards are an advance, not a grant, and the program office has ways to make sure the fund stays solvent.

Oversight

Democratic Lawmakers Challenge State Department Same-Sex Visa Limits

Twenty senators, 119 House members warn of cruelty and hindrance for foreign diplomats.

Management

Agencies Backslide in Fight Against Jargon, Amid High Staff Turnover

Average plain language grades for 23 agencies fell from B to C in new report card.

Management

DHS Says It’s Finally Hiring More Border Agents Than It’s Losing

The Trump administration has struggled to fulfill the president’s hiring mandate.

Management

Hurricane Michael’s Remarkable, Terrifying Run

The storm shocked forecasters by rapidly intensifying, and then remained strong for hours after landfall.