Digital Government

White House Updates Contracting and Technology Guidance for Federal Agencies  

During the coronavirus outbreak, the Veterans Affairs Department got a greenlight to rehire experts and the Justice Department clarified its stance on working in states with shelter-in-place orders. 

Digital Government

Senator Pushes Pentagon for Personnel Guidance Amid Pandemic

Congress continues to seek answers from the executive branch regarding responses to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Digital Government

Government’s Maximum Telework Policy Overlooks Contractors

Industry association pushes for the administration to issue guidance for flexibility and greater use of contractors during the coronavirus pandemic.  

Digital Government

New White House Guidance Says Agencies Should ‘Minimize Face-to-Face Interactions’

The Office of Management and Budget said the government must continue to operate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cybersecurity

New Security Clearance Office Gets First Permanent Leader

The new program office is getting a permanent director nearly five months after shifting the background investigations process to the Defense Department.

Modernization

Thrift Savings Plan Wants Help Protecting Federal Employees’ Retirement From Outside Cyber Threats

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is working on a contract to help protect $611 billion in savings for some 6 million current and former feds.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Pressure Trump to Issue Federal Telework Executive Order

An increasing number of senators and representatives calling on President Trump to order telework to eligible federal employees and contractors.

Cybersecurity

Attacks on DOD Networks Soar as Telework Inflicts ‘Unprecedented’ Loads

As DOD scrambles to find equipment for those who can work from home, Pentagon leaders tell personnel: ‘No hand-shaking, no high-fives,” and clean your workstations.

Digital Government

White House Asks Agencies to Stop All Travel That Is Not Mission Critical

Work trips to areas with community spread of the virus should only be undertaken if they are critical to protecting life and property, OMB says. 

Digital Government

Senator Calls on Administration to Offer Flexibilities on Security Clearance Adjudications for Coronavirus

Sen. Warner wants to ensure that coronavirus financial hardships don’t negatively impact intelligence community employees and contractors.

Cybersecurity

Policymakers Look to Greatly Expand Existing Cyber Workforce Programs

Tracking how education initiatives translate into cybersecurity jobs remains a challenge.

Digital Government

Emotionally Intelligent Bosses Can Bring Out Your Creativity

Employees with emotionally intelligent supervisors mentioned being happy three times more often than being stressed.

Ideas

How Feds Can Work Safely Despite Coronavirus

Technology has made it so that many workers can do their jobs from home, especially if the right precautions are taken.

Digital Government

Federal Experts’ Tips for Effectively Managing Remote Teams

Whether permanent or as part of a contingency plan, teleworking requires a combination of culture changes and technology.