Oversight
Appeals court suspends judge’s order on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Court temporarily puts on hold judge’s decision to repeal ban on gays openly serving in the military.
Defense
Cybersecurity is ‘really about the people,’ official says
Technology means little without a strong workforce to protect computer networks, panelists note.
Pay & Benefits
Life Insurance Options
Participants in the government’s program now have more opportunities to alter their coverage.
Oversight
Cemetery employees will receive job training
Career development program for workers is the first formal training of its kind for Arlington National Cemetery staff.
Pay & Benefits
OPM tackles retirement claims processing again
Agency plans to boost staff and streamline procedures to reduce backlog, officials say.
Oversight
Retired feds could see one-time Social Security bonus
Legislation provides $250 payment in lieu of 2011 cost-of-living adjustment.
Oversight
OPM and unions tussle over employee appeal rights
The Merit Systems Protection Board should use a broad threshold to evaluate appeals of employees removed from their positions, say unions.
Pay & Benefits
Thrift Savings Plan budget to remain flat in 2011
The retirement program must reconsider services to keep costs in check, board says.
Oversight
Lack of linguists hampers government's mission, officials say
Federal agencies struggle to fill in the gaps in language skills.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Defense must ramp up recruitment of IT acquisition workforce, consultant says
Internal briefing also recommends an exchange program between department and industry for information technology professionals .
Pay & Benefits
No COLAs for federal retirees in 2011
Social Security Administration nixes cost-of-living adjustment.
Oversight
Hiring reform requires team effort, observers say
Managers and human resources staff must work together on planning, recruiting and retention.
Defense
Justice Department appeals 'don't ask, don't tell' ruling
Officials also request a stay of a federal judge's injunction against enforcement of the law that bars homosexual men and women from serving openly in the military.
Defense
Memorial fund breaks ground on law enforcement museum
Building will be underground and use technology to create a highly interactive experience for visitors.
Oversight
Senior executives see smaller pay raises
Lower salary adjustments and fewer performance awards could limit interest in SES careers, observer says.
Oversight
Survey finds public satisfied with federal call centers
Government-run facilities improving, but still lag behind services private sector provides.
Oversight
USDA Native American case moves closer to resolution
The class action suit claims the Agriculture Department discriminated against Native Americans who applied for farm loans.
Oversight