Management
Labor Department Set to Streamline Procurement Services
The department has already made headway on shared services for human resources and information technology.
Oversight
Watchdog Finds Serious Staffing and Leadership Problems at State Department
Officials still feel the ramifications of the Trump administration’s 16-month hiring freeze.
Management
White House Seeks to Revise Federal Grants Process to Reflect New Priorities
The changes would reduce the reporting burden on grant recipients, among other things.
Management
The Senate Confirmation Process is Twice As Long Today As It Was During the Reagan Era
Partnership for Public Service study highlights the importance of a president’s first and fifth years in getting vacancies filled.
Management
Bipartisan Bill Would Ban Reverse Auctions for Federal Construction Contracts
House lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday similar to a Senate measure passed in December.
Management
Defense Pledges to Do a Better Job of Sharing Security Information With Overseas Contractors
The State Department has yet to respond to an industry association letter expressing concern over contractor safety.
Oversight
Energy Dept. Hatch Act Violator Agrees to Resign and Leave Government for at Least 3 Years
The employee gave a congressional candidate special access to a radioactive waste treatment plant despite warnings this would violate ban on political activity while working.
Oversight
GAO: Trump Administration Violated the Law by Withholding Ukraine Aid
The administration pushed back on the findings, and has said GAO decisions are not binding.
Oversight
Top Democrat Asks Secret Service How Much It Has Spent Protecting the Trump Family on Trips
Request comes in preparation for the fiscal 2021 budget process.
Management
Would Converting Some DHS Political Positions to Career Ones Help Employee Morale?
Good government group recommends this as one way to address long-term challenges with dissatisfaction among employees.
Oversight
IG Council Launches Online Tracker to Draw Attention to Vacancies
New tool is part of a series of reforms to Oversight.gov.
Oversight
EPA Could Save Taxpayers Thousands of Dollars Through Stronger Oversight of Mobile Phones
The agency “missed an opportunity” to better use $12,000 spent over two years on unnecessary voice and data services, watchdog finds.
Oversight
Good Government Groups Push for Nonpartisan Panel to Find FEC Commissioners
They wrote to the White House and Senate leadership on Monday urging the speedy restoration of a quorum and then a panel to help fill the remaining seats.
Management
More Firms Will Now Be Eligible for Government Small Business Contracts
A final rule took effect on Monday to implement a 2018 law.
Management
Navy Launches a New Civilian Human Capital Strategy for First Time in a Decade
The goal is to improve hiring, retention and employees’ experiences at work.
Management
Senate Confirms Trump’s Pick for Regulations Czar
Paul Ray served as the acting head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs before receiving the nomination.
Management
Industry Association Calls on Government to Better Protect U.S. Contractors Working Overseas
Letter to Defense and State departments follows recent U.S. contractor deaths in Kenya and Iraq.
Oversight
House Lawmakers Issue ‘Ultimatum’ to GSA Over Trump Hotel Records Subpoena
GSA disputes the lawmakers’ allegations of noncompliance.
Management
Trump Objects to Certain Transparency Requirements of 2020 Spending and Policy Bills
The provisions he opposes are for both public and classified matters.
Oversight