Federal Newscast

(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.

(2/15/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Navy has updated its uniform-and-personal-appearance policy. Bloody syringes in a VA hospital laundry bin, get the attention of GAO. And the Coast Guard has a new lead technology executive.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/14/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A DoD contractor pleads guilty to shafting domestic suppliers, by buying cheaper parts overseas. The Navy is using AI to optimize personnel assignments. And federal employees can now watch a video on a snow day, on how snow days are determined.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/13/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: U.S. Cyber Command gets federal laboratory designation. NASA names Dwight Deneal as its new director of small business programs. And veterans exposed to Agent Orange might soon find it easier to get VA health benefits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/12/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Congressional Research Service is hiring a new director. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services completed 10 million cases last year, to boast a 15% backlog reduction. And a decade of no pay raises continues for the Vice President and senior political appointees.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/9/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A new tutorial video is out to help feds through the retirement process. NIH has a new director of its Center for Information Technology. And Senator Ron Wyden wants the IG at Social Security to be fired.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/8/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Department of Homeland Security plans to go on an AI hiring spree. Lawmakers urge OPM to do more to make feds aware of paid-parental-leave options. And some phone-calling scammers attempt to steal cash through a money-laundering hoax.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/7/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Senate confirms Kurt Campbell as the next deputy secretary of state. The Office of Management and Budget is looking to add a chief customer experience officer to its ranks. And there’s a new face in charge at another one of the country's largest intelligence agencies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/6/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Nineteen federal experts have some ideas on how to strengthen the budget process. Congress attempts to strengthen protections for the 22 million feds victimized by the decade-old OPM data breach. And there’s a new general in charge at the National Security Agency.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/5/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Two Democratic lawmakers are asking the GAO to assess the damage done to the military by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). The Office of Management and Budget wants to bring the power of AI to privacy impact assessments. And the biggest leak in CIA history, gets a former employee a 40-year prison sentence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/2/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The American Federation of Government Employees expresses fears about future telework cuts for Social Security employees. The U.S. European Command is seeking federal employees and government contractors to participate in its first-ever AI hackathon. And agencies have until midnight to shut down software that has been hit with dangerous cyber vulnerabilities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(2/1/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The White House is widening the rule prohibiting employers from asking potential employees about their salary history. Cloud infrastructure providers are getting new cybersecurity requirements. And the chaos surrounding Red Sea shipping routes, has jacked up the cost to relocate federal employees.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/31/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The cyber threat from Chinese infiltrators continues to grow, according to an outgoing Army general. The Department of Veterans Affairs got more than 46,000 homeless veterans into permanent housing last year. And employees at Social Security headquarters are ordered to increase in-person work, starting in April.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/30/25) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Navy no longer requires a high school diploma to enlist. A long-time federal technology executive is retiring. And a former Acting IG has been sentenced to 18 months in prison in a software-theft conspiracy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/29/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to make a full recovery, according to doctors at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. The Department of Homeland Security is pushing hard to improve customer experience. And sex and work-culture scandals at the FDIC catch the attention and ire of Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/26/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The White House has set new expectations for how agencies should support small-business contracting. The Marine Corps is moving away from strictly using the Force Design 2030 label. And it's deadline day, as the White House awaits agency plans on how to decrease telework.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/25/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The undersecretary of the Air Force said the failure to pass all 12 regular appropriations will have catastrophic effects on the Defense Department. Feds, who relocate for work, may soon have better coverage of their moving expenses. And National Institutes of Health's governmentwide acquisition contract, adds to its record-breaking number of bid protests.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/24/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Government Accountability Office is not impressed with the data used in some important security-clearance decisions. The State Department is trying to get more mid-career professionals to join the Foreign Service. And the possibility of repealing Social Security's so-called 'evil twins" is closer than ever to the finish line.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/23/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Securities and Exchange Commission has figured out how its official X account was hacked. The Technology Modernization Fund program management office has new temporary leadership. And the U.S. Navy gives birth to a new pregnancy policy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/22/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A District of Columbia federal judge has raised the False Claims Act fine against Gen Digital by $50 million. The Labor Department is trying to help agencies gain access to more disabled job candidates. And DoD has taken another step to make it easier for military retirees and dependents to renew their DoD-issued ID cards online.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/19/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: More oversight is coming to make sure agencies are using secure cloud services. NTEU leader Doreen Greenwald is expected to land at the Federal Salary Council. And the half-full and a half-empty government-shutdown-can has been kicked down the road, again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/18/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Securities and Exchange Commission is planning to update its workforce strategies. A CIA technology leader is headed to the private sector. And GSA's Polaris contract is pulled back into the protest vortex.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/17/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: National Cyber Director Harry Coker calls for more diversity when hiring for federal cyber jobs. The Space Development Agency has made $2.5 billion worth of awards to build its tracking layer. And the VA is looking to reduce the child-birth mortality rate for women veterans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.