Federal Newscast

(4/26/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: OPM advises agencies on how they should consider a job candidate's criminal background. Staffing shortfalls will likely mean the Coast Guard will shut down about two dozen small-boat stations across the country. And Sen. Chuck Grassley is underwhelmed by DoD's oversight of the government purchase card.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/25/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Assistant U.S. attorneys at DOJ are calling for more flexibility and consistency in their telework options. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration helped stop a $3.5 billion fraud scheme targeting pandemic relief funds. And GSA will release a new buying guide this week to help agencies purchase generative AI capabilities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/24/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Federal employees’ participation rates in the Thrift Savings Plan are gradually rising. The Census Bureau is laying the groundwork for its next population count in 2030. And seven Senate Democrats call out postal-service leaders for poor service and unsustainable pay hikes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/23/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Information Systems Agency reaches a new milestone in its classified cloud environment. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is finalizing a list of critical software products. And the DoD IG says Army commanders fail to adequately address all forms of harassment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/22/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Health Agency and the Defense Innovation Unit are asking for ideas to make DoD health care more human-centered. The Defense Department, once again, dominates the President's Cup Cybersecurity Competition. And the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act includes a requirement for a telework option.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/19/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: An Illinois Congresswoman looks to put the postal service's network modernization plans on hold. The State Department joins a nationwide initiative to hire and retain more women for law enforcement positions. And a Virginia-based defense contractor pleads guilty to bribery.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/18/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The IRS received over 100 million individual tax returns this year. The big membership numbers for AFGE, make it the fastest growing major union in the country. And children at a New Mexico Air Force base appear to have a higher rate of a rare brain-and-spinal- cord cancer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/17/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A half million veterans give high marks to VA health care. The NSA is urging organizations to deploy increasingly ubiquitous AI systems with security in mind. And recent TSA pay raises have reportedly done wonders for staff attrition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/16/24) - Lawmakers are pushing for more access to specialty services in the military’s health care system. The IRS hit its goal for the number of tax filers who used the agency's new-and-free Direct File system. And Accenture Federal Services has acquired a major contractor for the Veterans Affairs Department.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/15/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Military pharmacies are finally back to business as usual after a February cyber attack. A new request for information is asking for feedback on a new part of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. And OMB disbands the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force and tosses all COVID-19 orders and guidance onto the syringe-heap of history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/12/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Junior enlisted service members could get a 15% pay hike as soon as next year. A Senate committee is trying to find out why the Postal Service keeps raising mail prices. And DoJ's efforts to come down hard on pandemic fraudsters, has recovered more than $3 billion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/11/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: To curb costs, Army officials are considering cuts to education benefits for their soldiers. The Army's Chief Information Officer is out with another new policy. And the Department of Homeland Security is seeing a lot of interest in new job postings for artificial intelligence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/10/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: An Air Force legislative proposal to transfer National Guard space units to the Space Force is sparking a backlash among state governors. NIST is seeking feedback on new recommendations for cyber incident response. And the Navy has a new strategy for science and technology.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/9/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The General Services Administration is looking to eliminate the use of "forever chemicals" in federal buildings. Meantime, a couple of California Congressmen want to turn empty federal buildings into housing. And Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is fed up with data breaches and has Big Tech in his crosshairs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/8/24) - For another year, agencies have likely escaped budget cuts due to sequestration. CISA is preparing to host its biggest biannual cybersecurity exercise called, “Cyber Storm.” And service members are reportedly not getting enough sleep each night to properly do their jobs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/5/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: New guidance is out to improve the management of more than a trillion dollars in federal grants. The Postal Service is missing more than half its service targets for mail products on which it has a monopoly. And the congressional push continues to guarantee the death of Schedule F.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/4/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The State Department says recent budget cuts will lead to an overburdened workforce. The Department of Homeland Security is on the hunt for fresh cyber talent. And the Justice Department has issued a data challenge to help address the nation’s drug crisis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/3/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Pentagon's first-of-its-kind Commercial Space Integration Strategy comes out this week. The Office of Personnel Management is offering a webinar to people thinking about entering the federal workforce. And a new chief diversity and inclusion officer is headed to the State Department.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/2/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Navy is updating its basic training phone call policy. The Census Bureau is looking to roll out a remote-work policy it drafted at the end of last year. And women-owned small businesses won a record $25.5 billion in federal contracts in fiscal 2023.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/1/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Department has established the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy. There is a new section to the FAR and it may be the most important change in decades. And an OMB working group has added Middle Eastern or North African to federal requirements for collecting race and ethnicity data.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/29/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Army has opened a central office to manage the relocation of military families with special needs. A data analytics tool used to fight COVID-19 fraud might be redeployed. And agencies continue to struggle with giving too much money to citizens when doling out benefits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/28/24) - Federal employees donated more than $68 million to this year’s Combined Federal Campaign. The DoD abortion policy, that Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) objected to, cost about $44,000 last year. And two lawmakers call a recent telework protest "hypocritical."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/27/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: TSP participants, receiving a full match, is once again on the rise. Senate lawmakers are advancing legislation that aims to bolster the security of government facilities. And in hand-to-phone combat, DoD is turning to social media to battle its recruiting crisis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/26/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Following a recent ransomware attack, the Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman is calling on HHS to increase its oversight of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector. More Defense Department organizations are entering the Thunderdome. And hackers have gone phishing at the State Department, targeting paychecks and pensions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/25/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Vendors likely will have to wait a little longer for the final solicitation of the SEWP VI governmentwide acquisition contract. Congress bumps up the Defense Department's funding for artificial intelligence for this year. And with an eye toward China and Russia, the Senate Intelligence Committee is asking the pentagon for advanced civil nuclear technology on U.S. bases.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/22/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Innovation Unit could get a major funding boost. A powerful senator is asking the GAO to review the risks the Census Bureau faces, as it prepares for the 2030 count. And a new bill is calling for a more permanent path forward for better relationships between federal unions and management.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/21/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Military families continue to discourage family members from joining the military. Meanwhile, the Army is looking to retirees to fill the ranks. And a judge with the Merit Systems Protection Board is ordering the Army Corps of Engineers to send a whistleblower a "thank you letter."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/20/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: U.S. spy agencies are doubling down on efforts to harness open-source intelligence. A free, online tax preparation tool run by the IRS is gaining momentum. And a big employees union is warning of big dangers if the Bureau of Prisons fails to receive more funding.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/19/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: HHS is launching a probe into the huge cyber attack on Change Healthcare. GSA is ready to take the next step in setting up its new contract for cloud services. And the Coast Guard is improving access to mental health care for its service members.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/18/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Department has a new director in charge of security clearances. Wildland firefighters are still fighting for a permanent pay increase. And the Supreme Court has ruled that, in many cases, public officials cannot block their critics on social media, even from their personal accounts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, the Biden administration is eyeing more investments for federal early-career hiring in fiscal 2025.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, the Secret Service is warming up plans for one of the biggest sporting events in the world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, federal groups and unions are less than pleased with the White House's proposed 2% raise for civilian feds in 2025See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, the White House wants Congress to reverse a big cut to the IRS’ multi-year modernization fund.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, agencies and federal unions just got marching orders to re-establish labor-management forums. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/8/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A new-and-improved effort is underway to sell federal buildings. Agencies and vendors have until Monday to give feedback to the FedRAMP cloud security program on its draft Emerging Technology Framework. And it's not like storming a beach, but the Marines Corps becomes the first military branch in history to pass a financial audit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/7/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Government Publishing Office has a new CHCO. VA efforts have accelerated to hire and market jobs to military spouses. And the Defense Department is slated to receive over $18 billion for military construction initiatives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/6/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: When it comes to safety, many federal buildings can't keep up, according to the Government Accountability Office. The National Cyber Director is touting progress on the White House’s cyber efforts. And a new House bill specifies how agencies should buy, use and manage artificial intelligence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/5/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Funding for IT modernization at one agency is slated to get a boost this year. CISA says hackers are still exploiting vulnerabilities in a widely used VPN service. And the VA finalizes its new abortion rule that will apply to all 50 states.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/4/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Commandant of the Marine Corps is still waiting to get the all-clear from his doctors, since his January heart surgery. The PLUM Book is one step closer to its hard-copy demise. And some lawmakers worked over the weekend to deliver a package of six funding bills, as the government shutdown bomb continues to tick.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(3/1/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: . President Biden names his former Labor Secretary to the Postal Service Board of Governors. The Social Security Administration is getting a new technology leader. And Congress helps DoD contractors slip the grip of new greenhouse-gas reporting regulations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/29/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The White House is considering new recommendations for agencies to take action on critical infrastructure security. The FDA has outlined six goals driving its technology modernization. And the GAO says agencies need to do more training to prevent workplace sexual harassment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/28/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Army is cutting about 24,000 military positions, as it restructures itself for large-scale combat operations. The Energy Department is handing out $45 million for 16 new cybersecurity projects. And the board, over at the Thrift Savings Plan, prepares for a government shutdown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/27/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The White House is shining a light on a major source of cybersecurity risks. A new policy will increase drinking water system oversight across all Navy installations. And House VA Committee Chairman Mike Bost is taking a closer look at the recent sexual harassment scandal at VA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/26/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The FCC moves toward establishing an “Energy Star” type labeling program for cybersecurity. Navy’s new council will focus on enhancing supply chain resilience. And Whistleblowing is a growth industry, as those exposing fraud pocket hundreds of millions of dollars.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/23/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Justice Department has named a Princeton professor as its first chief science and technology adviser. Some new proposals for cybersecurity standards and regulations are causing industry heartburn. And an Oklahoma man faces prison time, for hacking into a federal online auction site and getting some pretty good deals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/22/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A top Defense Department intelligence official is retiring. U.S. Central Command is about to release its own data strategy. And the U.S. Special Operations Command is seeking feedback from small businesses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/21/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Agriculture Department is launching a Digital Service Fellows Program. Lawmakers want the next military budget to focus on the well being of service members and their families. And one of the National Security Agency’s top cyber officials is retiring.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/20/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Army is looking for international innovators to share their novel technology solutions. CISA is renewing a task force to examine artificial intelligence and other critical technology issues. And the Pentagon IG questions the effectiveness of "awards fees" for DoD vendors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/16/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Congresswoman Nancy Mace is taking on the GSA for making Chinese-tech purchases. The Social Security Administration is taking a new approach to try to reduce improper payments. And Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has a few choice words for contractors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.