FCW Insider: April 3

National Labs turn to 3D printing for medical supplies

National labs look to 3D printing to ease COVID medical supply chain squeeze, but reports shows need remains stark. Mark Rockwell has more.

Lawmakers look to shield defense contractors from COVID-19 fallout

Virginia Democrat Sen. Mark Warner and Texas Republican Rep. Mac Thornberry hope to protect national security by bolstering the industrial base. Lauren C. Williams takes a look.

IRS outlines expanded flexible work schedule

The IRS, which is operating under an evacuation order that mandates telework for all eligible employees, released new guidance outlining its flexible work schedule policy. Lia Russell reports.

Quick Hits

*** The Defense Department is allowing "case-by-case" equitable adjustments for schedule delays in contracts impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, according to a March 31 Defense Pricing and Contracting Agency memo. Those requests will also be reviewed for costs. DOD is also temporarily suspending an audit requirement to help pay contractors with classified contracts factors during the COVID-19 crisis, according to separate memo, directing contract officers to issue interim vouchers for classified contracts "provisionally approved" by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The moves allow contractors to get paid faster and, for the latter, give the government leeway to audit invoices at a later date.

*** FCW is covering the full spectrum of impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the federal workforce and government operations. Please check back often for stories and insights behind the headlines about how the coronavirus response is affecting telework, acquisition, service delivery, collaboration, technology and more. Click here for our full coverage page.