People

Trump floats 2.6% pay raise

A pay proposal from the White House would raise base federal pay by 2.6% -- but slash proposed increases to locality pay.

Cybersecurity

National Guard looks to help states help with ransomware response

The National Guard is contemplating an expansion of its cybersecurity vulnerability assessment pilot following recent ransomware attacks in Texas and Louisiana.

People

Dems push back on BLM relocation plan

Two senior lawmakers want the Bureau of Land Management to halt its plan to relocate its headquarters to Grand Junction, Colorado.

Cybersecurity

Cyber reskilling grads grow skills but may not be headed for cyber jobs

Federal CIO Suzette Kent is "thrilled" with the first graduates of the Cyber Reskilling Academy and is looking to industrialize the program.

Modernization

4 modernization best practices

To support long-term modernization initiatives, agencies must invest in skilled staff and open, automated and collaborative processes.

Cybersecurity

Watchdog: Hiring freeze increased cyber risk at State

An extended hiring freeze at the Department of State delayed key cybersecurity initiatives and placed highly classified information at risk, according to a watchdog report.

Digital Government

Why CX in government is no longer optional

In the era of big data, comprehensive CX programs are recommended for any enterprise to understand every aspect of customer interaction and perception. Though much has changed, that old adage that "the customer is always right" endures.

People

Despite verdict, workforce orders still on hold

A federal court is maintaining an injunction on the full implementation of three Trump administration executive orders pertaining to the workforce and collective bargaining pending appeals.

Acquisition

Contractors have questions about DOD's cyber requirements

The Pentagon is making big moves to improve cybersecurity in its industrial base, but the contracting community and experts continue to wonder if it will all play out as intended.

Cybersecurity

Small business cuts coming amid NBIB merger

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, which is absorbing National Background Investigations Bureau expects to combine contracting offices and staff, while shrinking small business goals.

People

USDA IG says relocation plans may violate laws

An oversight report states that the Department of Agriculture may have skirted appropriations laws in its push to move two research agencies from Washington, D.C. to the Kansas City region.

People

House Dems welcome watchdog probe of FBI building

The Department of Justice Inspector General is launching a probe into the decision to scuttle a longstanding plan to move FBI headquarters to a suburban location and allow commercial development on the current downtown site.

People

New law brings big change to IRS in IT, cyber

A new law will implement a raft of technology and cybersecurity reforms at the IRS while also restoring hiring authorities that officials say are key to attracting qualified IT talent.

People

Lawmaker worried about DOD leadership shuffle

Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) worries U.S. defenses in space could be at risk due to lack of permanent leadership at the Pentagon.

People

House approves measure to block OPM furloughs

An appropriations bill passed in the House includes multiple provisions to prevent OPM and GSA from merging and blocks any reduction in force arising from a budget gap at the human resources agency.

People

Connolly amendment would block OPM layoffs

The chairman of the Government Operations subcommittee is looking to check an administration warning of layoffs at the Office of Personnel Management in the event that a merger with the General Services Administration can't move forward.

Modernization

DIA dives into analytics

The Defense Intelligence Agency hopes to start building Machine-Assisted Analytic Rapid-Repository System in fiscal 2020 to help re-engineer its data environment.

Digital Government

How to make the Federal Data Strategy succeed

A chief data officer can drive strategy and execution, but a vision where every employee is empowered by data requires leaders at all levels helping to create an environment where the right business and mission processes and business analytic tools become the center piece of decisions.

People

Senate panel advances third MSPB nominee

The Merit System Protection Board is getting closer to having a quorum of confirmed officials in place to begin chipping away at its backlog of more than 2,000 appeals.

Acquisition

Report cites dramatic uptick in government spending on temps

Veterans Affairs, Defense Health Agency are filling gaps with temporary workers rather than hiring career staff.