People
Biden mandates COVID vaccine for feds, contractors
The vaccine mandate will supplant administration workforce policy put in place in July that requires either vaccinations or regular testing for federal employees.
Acquisition
Feds get more guidance on COVID vaccination, testing
The Biden administration is eyeing booster shots for some Americans, but for its vaccination and testing program for federal employees, those who are two weeks out from a completed vaccination are considered covered without a booster shot, for now.
Digital Government
House infrastructure bill includes over $3 billion for federal tech
Under an amendment from Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the Technology Modernization Fund could see another $1 billion in capitalization.
People
Federal managers seek hard info on COVID-19 testing plans
In a letter sent to administration officials Thursday, the Government Managers Coalition flagged concerns that agencies and managers are ill-prepared to roll out the administration's COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for feds.
People
Biden names pick for final MSPB slot
The Merit Systems Protection Board has been without a quorum for over four years and has a backlog of more than 3,000 appeals.
Digital Government
New Labor Dept. office will focus on UI modernization
The office will implement a strategic modernization plan for unemployment insurance set to range from developing modular tech capabilities to identity verification.
Digital Government
GSA launches new Digital Corps to attract early-career techies
The first cohort of the new program, which launches in the fall, will focus on pandemic response, the economy, cybersecurity and streamlining government services.
People
Reorganizing for the Biden agenda at OPM
OPM is beefing up its diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility office as part of an agency reorganization in support of a wide-ranging executive order covering the federal workforce.
People
GOP lawmakers seek answers on SSA's acting leadership
Five Republicans are asking the Government Accountability Office to clarify legal limits under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of the term and authorities of the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, who was installed after President Joe Biden fired two top leaders in July.
People
White House COVID group extends leave for feds to get vaccinated
Feds now get up to four hours of administrative leave to get COVID-19 vaccinations and up to two days of leave to cope with adverse vaccine reactions.
Cybersecurity
DHS stands up new excepted service for cyber talent
The new human resources system, which is launching seven years after legislation authorizing special pay for cybersecurity specialists, is a complete move away from traditional federal HR practices, the agency said.
People
Biden names slate of FSIP appointees
Months after clearing out Trump appointees, Biden nominated appointees to fill the Federal Services Impasses Panel, a key institution in the federal labor-management relations space.
Modernization
Report: Agencies aren't fielding interactive digital forms
A law passed in 2018 requiring executive agencies to make online versions of paper-based forms used by the public, but only a few are fully compliant according to a new report.
People
Was DOD ready for telework in 2020?
Slow networks, a lack of management buy-in and the need for more government equipment all affected how DOD feds transitioned to telework at the start of the pandemic, new reports from DOD's IG found.
People
Workforce panel explains new COVID testing requirements
Agencies can't assign employees to remote or telework based solely on their vaccination status, the guidance says.
People
OPM's new rules for student hiring
New rules published Tuesday by the Office of Personnel Management give agencies direct hire authority for appointing post-secondary students.
Acquisition
New guidance on vaccines and COVID testing for feds and contractors
The White House-led Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce issued additional question and answer style guidance on Friday addressing how exactly the recently-released vaccination and testing requirements will be carried out.
People
Feds who lie about vaccination status or avoid testing could face discipline
The Biden-Harris administration is looking into what feds could be subject to more stringent vaccination requirements in addition to the mandate for VA clinical staff, said Jeff Zients, COVID-19 response coordinator.
People
Biden puts his stamp on FLRA, Thrift Board
Biden's nominee to the general counsel at the FLRA could help clear a backlog of unfair labor practice charges from federal unions.
People