Oversight
Lawmakers Press GSA on Trump Hotel’s Request for Financial Relief During Pandemic
This comes as a federal appeals court revives an Emoluments Clause lawsuit involving the hotel.
Oversight
House Lawmakers Accuse GSA of Breaching Ban on Implementing OPM Merger
Oversight panel leaders say newly uncovered emails confirm that the General Services Administration’s pending revocation of the Office of Personnel Management’s building operation authority is part of the plan to abolish the HR agency.
Oversight
Why So Many Architects Are Angered by ‘Making Federal Buildings Beautiful Again’
Federal building guidelines say that "development of an official style must be avoided" – which is exactly what a leaked executive order is trying to do.
Oversight
Watchdog Highlights Security Vulnerabilities at Federal Child Care Centers
IG says in some cases, a lack of funding stalled fixes that would have made facilities safer.
Management
GSA Praised for Progress on Contracting Schedule Consolidation
Compared to a 2015 merger, “phase two [of the current process] far exceeds the expectations,” said one observer.
Oversight
GSA Back in the Hot Seat Over Trump Hotel Oversight, Potential Sale
"The only thing I know is what I've read in the paper," agency chief says in reference to foreign expenditures at the hotel.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Reduces Retirement Backlog, and Gas Reimbursement Rates Decrease Slightly
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Oversight
House Lawmakers Issue ‘Ultimatum’ to GSA Over Trump Hotel Records Subpoena
GSA disputes the lawmakers’ allegations of noncompliance.
Management
Congress Moves to Block OPM-GSA Merger
A provision in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act would first require an independent study of the challenges facing the Office of Personnel Management.
Management
Watchdog: Proposed OPM-GSA Merger Continues to 'Evolve' Despite Lack of Legislation
Officials have continued to examine moving portions of OPM to GSA piecemeal, and still lack documentation for the legal authority and cost benefit analyses, the inspector general said.
Workforce
It's Official: Federal Employees Cannot Sleep in Their Offices
GSA issues new policy after receiving questions from agencies about permissibility of office snoozing.
Management
Republican Senators Introduce Bill to Relocate Major Federal Agencies Outside of D.C.
Ninety-percent of positions in 10 departments would be moved to economically distressed areas.
Management
It’s Finally Here: GSA’s New Consolidated Schedule
Tuesday’s solicitation will begin the process of turning 24 award schedules into a single contracting vehicle for products and services.
Oversight
Democrats Blast GSA for Lax Oversight of Trump Hotel
The agency should be asking more questions about the lease and its financial terms, lawmakers say.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Travelers Will Get a Small Per Diem Boost in 2020
The General Services Administration has made a number of changes to non-standard area designations, where reimbursement rates are higher.
Management
Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Transition Team Ethics Requirements
Bill also clarifies GSA’s role during presidential changeovers.
Management
Lawmakers: Discussion of Furloughs at OPM Was 'Premature and Unnecessary'
Officials should have considered furloughs or layoffs as a last resort in addressing the agency's budget shortfall, senators say in letter demanding more information.
Management
Army Corps of Engineers and GSA Faulted for Costly Contract Changes
Agencies aren’t tracking company timeframes in monitoring $36 billion in construction spending, watchdog finds.
Workforce
OPM Doesn’t Anticipate Furloughs in October
Acting Director Margaret Weichert sought to reassure employees that their jobs were safe despite a recent dust-up with lawmakers.
Management