People
Senior execs group pushes OPM re-org
As part of a plan to revitalize federal employment, the Senior Executives Association is looking to take the government's top human resources official out of the political fray with a 5- to 8-year appointment.
Acquisition
SBA defends data exposure response
The notification of companies whose data had been exposed by the Small Business Administration's effort to set up advanced electronic emergency loan portals was slowed by a contracting issue, the agency's deputy CIO told Congress.
People
OPM stonewalls probe of hiring practices, watchdog says
The Inspector General of the Office of Personnel Management says the agency is not cooperating with a look at potential civil service law violations.
Policy
Senate Panel Advances TikTok Ban for Feds, More Transparency on Agency Leaders
Top federal officials would see positions and salaries posted monthly.
People
Bill to modernize Plum Book clears Senate committee
The measure looks to require more frequent updates of the directory of political appointees.
Digital Government
Senate Voices Privacy Concerns Over Contact Tracing
Experts were gathered in front of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection to testify on scams. But data privacy concerns bubbled over.
People
Trump to nominate new OPM head
The candidate to serve as the nation's top human resources official has a background in computer science and software development, and a controversial record as a conservative commentator.
Digital Government
Bill Would Push State Department to Clear Passport Backlog
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the backlog of Americans waiting for passports has ballooned to at least 1.4 million people.
Cybersecurity
Energy IG Finds Science Offices Skirt Security Rules for Peripheral Devices
Officials tell internal watchdogs securing devices like printers and flash drives is just hard, expensive and inhibits collaboration.
Cybersecurity
Interior Struggles to Secure IT Systems Amid Pandemic, IG Says
Interior is one of many agencies trying to meet new challenges posed by an explosion of increased remote work.
Digital Government
House Committee Investigates Whether Officials Misled Congress on OPM-GSA Merger
A recent watchdog group report cited notes from a phone call indicating the Trump administration was advised that the merger plan was illegal, an account that is at odds with what OPM officials testified before Congress last year.
Digital Government
New Legislation Would Increase Oversight Over Agency Relocations
Measure would require federal officials to conduct detailed cost-benefit analyses and provide them to inspectors general and the public for review before undertaking any effort to move federal agencies.
People
Former AFGE chief and union sued over abuse allegations
Plaintiffs ask for compensation and punishment, federal monitor to reform union.
Digital Government
Schiff: Trump's vote-by-mail attacks are 'seed' for disinformation campaigns
The House Intel Chair said the president's targeting of absentee ballots provides an anchor for foreign and domestic actors to amplify false narratives about the integrity of the 2020 election.
Cybersecurity
NASA Watchdog Reports on Why the Agency Still Struggles with Cybersecurity
Almost half of the controls in an overarching shared system were assessed as deficient.
Digital Government
Trump Administration Lacks Comprehensive Plan to Reopen Federal Offices, GAO Says
Republicans say feds should swiftly go back to work: "It’s time to take our chances," one argues.
Digital Government
Wyden disparages purge at Open Technology Fund
The Oregon Democrat is demanding answers about the circumstances behind a series of abrupt firings at the non-profit Open Technology Fund carried out by a Trump administration official.
Digital Government
Pandemic Oversight Committee Launches Contract Spending Tracker
The committee had stated in its first report that financial management could be a top challenge for agencies.
People
Oversight chief locked in tight primary
Just seven months after taking over the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Carolyn Maloney finds herself in a tight primary race against a progressive challenger in her New York City district.
Digital Government