Modernization
A long slog ahead for VA health record modernization
Lawmakers who welcomed the news of VA's plan to shift to a commercial health record now have to strap in for a multi-year implementation.
People
VA chief: fast firing authority will improve morale
President Trump is expected to sign a bill granting new authority to fire and discipline VA employees on an expedited basis. Secretary David Shulkin thinks the measure will help improve flagging morale at the agency.
Cybersecurity
Senators: Reorg plans must balance workforce cuts against mission success
Agencies expect to hit the first deadline set by the White House's plan to restructure government and reduce the size of the workforce, but lawmakers want to make sure their efforts don't come at the expense of effective operations.
Cybersecurity
Empowering DOD with critical cyber training
The Department of Defense does face challenges in building its cyber force, but there are proven ways to fill the talent pipeline.
People
What to look for in leadership and organizational performance
Steve Kelman reports that better data is producing a mini-revolution in scholarship about public-sector management.
People
House Dems push back on Trump's pension cuts for feds
In a letter addressed to the House's speaker and minority leader, Democratic lawmakers rebuked the White House for proposed cuts to the federal workforce in the fiscal year 2018 budget request.
People
COOs can make government work better -- if they're hired
Agency chief operating officers can take the lead in improving government efficiency, according to a new report.
Cybersecurity
Why DOD needs to think long term about cyber workforce
As the Pentagon rushes to fill short-term cyber positions, it must focus on training and recruiting cyber warriors who can anticipate and adapt to future threats.
People
VA accountability bill clears Congress
The House approves a Senate bill that gives the Veterans Affairs secretary new authority to discipline and fire problem employees while enhancing whistleblower protections.
People
How digital service teams fit in the new administration
Digital service teams hope their clout and support from the administration can break through decades-old cultural barriers and empower the federal IT workforce at large.
People
Two execs to leave GSA in wake of reorg
Tom Sharpe and Kevin Youel Page are resigning in the aftermath of a reorganization that changes the face of the Federal Acquisition Service.
People
White House official chided for violating Hatch Act
White House Social Media Director Dan Scavino Jr. was chided by an federal watchdog for stumping against a sitting congressman, a violation of the Hatch Act.
People
Trump's budget takes aim at federal retirement
President Donald Trump's budget proposal identifies almost $150 billion in savings over 10 years by slashing federal employee benefits, but feds and their unions are crying foul.
People
Trump picks Nesterczuk for OPM director
The former OPM and Defense official also served on a transition landing team.
People
Has the veteran preference broken federal hiring?
There are better ways encourage agencies to hire veterans, a former chief human capital officer argues -- but the process is unlikely to change anytime soon.
People
Do feds make too much money?
The Congressional Budget Office reported that federal employees are compensated more than their private sector counterparts, but watchdogs say challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers run deeper than pay.
People
Heitkamp to offer workforce reform bill
Hiring flexibility and attracting younger workers are key goals in workforce legislation set to be introduced in the Senate.
People
Court tosses VA's expedited firing authority
A federal court invalidated part of a 2014 law that makes it easier to fire VA workers, and the agency wants a replacement from Congress.
People
Census director resigns amid 2020 prep
As the Census Bureau stares down a critical and jam-packed 2017 schedule, Director John Thompson announced his retirement, effective June 30.
Cybersecurity