Digital Government
Number of veterans in federal workforce grew in 2016
The number of veterans employed by the federal government has crept steadily upward in recent years, and now represents nearly one-third of the entire executive branch workforce.
People
NBIB confirms 700,000 security clearance backlog
The National Background Investigations Bureau is trying to whittle down its massive security clearance backlog, while streamlining and updating its background investigation process.
People
GSA, OPM get new chiefs
In a Friday evening release, the Trump administration announced candidates to lead the General Services Administration, the Office of Personnel Management, as well as a new deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget.
People
Departing OPM CIO heads to Michigan for state post
Michigan's governor has tapped David DeVries, who is retiring as CIO of the Office of Personnel Management, to be the state's top tech official.
Cybersecurity
Years after breach, OPM still shows infosec weakness
A congressional watchdog reports that while OPM has addressed some past information security recommendations, vulnerabilities persist.
People
Nesterczuk withdraws as OPM nominee
Former OPM official says prospect of being confirmed "has grown remote."
Cybersecurity
OPM's IT authorization process a 'material weakness,' IG says
A 2015 decision to pause tech authorizations is putting the Office of Personal Management at risk, according to a new inspector general report.
Cybersecurity
DISA says funding cut won’t slow new background check system
DISA is in the process of developing a new IT platform for federal background investigations, and despite a one-third cut in proposed funding for 2018, the agency says it has the needed budget.
Cybersecurity
Can government stop using Social Security numbers?
Agencies are having trouble reducing reliance on Social Security numbers as identifiers because of outdated systems, insufficient funding and lack of coordination from OMB.
People
Trump picks Nesterczuk for OPM director
The former OPM and Defense official also served on a transition landing team.
Modernization
Congress agrees on funding package
After flirting with a partial shutdown, lawmakers agreed on a bipartisan $1 trillion spending bill to fund the federal government through September.
Modernization
OPM looking to rebuild trust
OPM's National Background Investigations Bureau says it is now effectively securing its legacy IT systems and that people can trust the agency to keep their security clearance data safe.
People
Senators seek GAO probe of hiring-freeze effects
Two senators are urging Congress's investigative arm to probe any adverse effects of President Trump's hiring freeze.
People
OPM issues how-to guide for layoffs
Following the White House's proposed budget cuts, the Office of Personnel Management issued guidance for agency heads on how to handle potential workforce reductions.
People
Does the SES have a future under Trump?
Former feds believe investing in the senior executive service is the most effective path to reform, but calls by Trump advisers for a rollback of government could deter senior administrators from buying in.
Modernization
Security clearance process still slow, but more secure
OPM's National Background Investigations Bureau has made significant progress in securing its systems and data, but the security clearance backlog persists, a House panel finds.
People
OPM explains the hiring freeze
The Office of Personnel Management released guidance explaining what is and isn't covered by the hiring freeze. There are more exceptions than one might think.
People
Obama wraps up security clearance reforms
In a last-minute executive order, President Obama institutes structural reforms to the security clearance process designed to create a more unified system across government agencies.
People