Defense
Boosting Defense acquisition workforce could be tricky
The Pentagon will have to compete with other government agencies and private companies for talent.
Pay & Benefits
Pay-for-performance faces new scrutiny
One agency plans to test a new system even in the face of opposition to the concept from lawmakers and employee groups.
Pay & Benefits
Good government group criticizes agencies’ use of internships
Government hires a lower percentage of former interns for full-time jobs than the private sector, study shows.
Oversight
Bill would provide steady funding and staff for executive boards
Regional organizations currently rely on voluntary contributions from agencies.
Oversight
Senate confirms John Berry as federal personnel chief
Former National Zoo director says he is amenable to any effective compensation system for federal employees, including pay for performance.
Defense
House and Senate call for pay parity
Both versions of the fiscal 2010 budget resolution contain provisions backing equal pay boosts for military and civilian workers.
Pay & Benefits
No Fooling
This week, the House really did approve some long-awaited retirement provisions.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Eight years in the making, VA patient scheduling system founders
Congressman calls hearing to look into failures with $167 million IT project.
Pay & Benefits
Congress moves quickly on range of workforce bills
Legislation includes reforms that would affect locality pay and union rights of some federal employees.
Pay & Benefits
TSP funds come back to life in March
All of the plan’s offerings posted gains last month.
Pay & Benefits
Performance Appraisal
The Obama administration is keeping an open mind regarding federal pay-for-performance systems.
Defense
Lawmakers examine logistics of potential NSPS repeal
Witnesses say there are no concrete plans for what will happen to employees in the pay-for-performance system if it is abolished, but some models exist.
Pay & Benefits
Retirement reform bill clears the House
Legislation allows FERS employees to count unused sick leave toward retirement and claim credit for previous service if they return to government.
Oversight
Energy staffing hasn’t kept pace with acquisition workload, IG says
The volume and complexity of procurement requirements threaten to overwhelm nascent workforce gains.
Defense
GAO: Staggering cost overruns dwarf modest improvements in Defense acquisition
A shortage of government engineers and contract managers contributes to problems, says report.
Oversight
Senators unveil bill to streamline hiring process
Legislation would eliminate knowledge, skills and abilities essays, and require plain-language job postings.
Oversight
FAA nominee draws praise for union and management experience
Former pilot Randy Babbitt served on the agency’s management advisory panel during the Bush administration.
Pay & Benefits
Leave: Take It Or Lump It?
Exploring the age-old question of whether it’s wise to use up your annual leave or take a lump-sum payment for it.
Pay & Benefits
Personnel pick remains flexible on pay-for-performance systems
Nominee John Berry says he would consider any compensation structure that is effective and maintains merit principles.
Pay & Benefits