People
IGs: IT and workforce woes plague multiple agencies
The first-ever report on governmentwide challenges from a group of Inspectors General found that management of IT systems and human capital are among the most frequently identified performance challenges facing agencies across government.
People
White House looks to automation to improve federal workforce
Five percent of federal jobs could be completely automated, according to a White House workforce plan, and most jobs could benefit from some automation.
People
Feds make almost one-third less than private-sector peers
The Federal Salary Council reported that federal employees make 32 percent less than their private-sector counterparts and recommended that six more areas be added to the locality pay program.
People
IG: Interior failed to document SES reassignments
The Department of Interior recently reassigned about 10 percent of its senior executives without much advance planning and without documenting its reasons for doing so, according to the agency inspector general.
People
Looking outside the Beltway for future tech talent
Leidos CEO Roger Krone is looking outside the Washington metro area for engineering and software hires.
People
Does the Vacancies Act really matter?
The law is supposed to prevent acting officials taking on Senate-confirmed roles indefinitely, but the statutory language is vague and enforcement is uneven.
Cybersecurity
OPM tells agencies how to respond to cyber workforce needs
Agencies will have a year to identify high-value positions, investigate the root causes of any talent shortage and develop action plans before they start reporting annually to OPM.
People
Why IT modernization needs more women
"We're embarking on the largest transformation in the world," federal CIO Suzette Kent said. "Women are more effective collaborators, and what you deliver is actually better."
Cybersecurity
Marines take lessons from special forces in crafting cyber career path
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller said long-term stability is key: "Once you’re, in you’re in."
People
Congress wants Patent Office to get a handle on telework
Once the poster child for telework, the Patent and Trademark Office was dinged by multiple oversight reports alleging time and attendance abuse.
Digital Government
DHS hires former EAC chairman to tackle election security
A month after being passed over for another term on the Election Assistance Commission, Matthew Masterson joins the Department of Homeland Security to tackle election security issues.
People
House Republicans renew Holman Rule
The House backed a provision to allow lawmakers to offer amendments that cut spending on specific programs, offices or federal employees.
Digital Government
IT, workforce, customer service central to President's Management Agenda
The just-released President's Management Agenda focuses on IT modernization, reshaping the federal workforce and the reorganization of government.
Cybersecurity
Military looks for ways to bring in cyber talent at better salaries
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) said $37,000 may be sufficient for Hill staffers answering the phone, but is much too low for military cyber specialists.
People
GAO: SSA chief has been 'acting' too long
For the first time, an acting senior official elevated under the Trump administration has been cited for holding down a political job longer than allowed under the Vacancies Act.
People
A hollow administration?
Hundreds of top agency positions remain unfilled in the Trump administration, but maybe some should stay that way.
Cybersecurity
White House hints at new cyber policies
Changes sparked by the cybersecurity executive order are on the horizon, a top administration official said.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers lose patience with NBIB over clearance backlog
Senators expressed deep frustration about the government's lack of progress reducing the backlog of 700,000 pending security clearance requests, with some threatening to overhaul the process completely.
People
OPM puts agencies on notice about hiring politicals for civil service jobs
The federal government's HR agency put up a caution flag about hiring former political appointees for career jobs, as Congress weighs in on the practice of current politicals "burrowing in" to the civil service.
Acquisition