Federal Newscast

(11/30/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Cyber Accreditation Body has a new leader. The Department of Veterans Affairs has surpassed its goal to permanently house veterans experiencing homelessness. And SmartPay celebrates its 25th anniversary with a facelift of its website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/29/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The State Department is setting records issuing visitor visas. Maryland's former governor is getting closer-to-confirmation to run the Social Security Administration. And Labor Department employees will be greeted by 2024 with less telework.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/28/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Stamp prices will go up again. (That's five times since 2021). A new IARPA Program will try to expose perpetrators behind cyber attacks based on coding styles. And the Defense Department is seeking to update its acquisition regulations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/27/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Secretaries of the Army and Air Force call the hold on the confirmation of hundreds of military officers "problematic." The GAO reports that the federal workforce is more diverse than the nationwide labor force. And improper payments crept up in 2023.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/22/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Navy has a new 14-page cyber strategy that was published yesterday. House lawmakers want to offer more help to military spouses who battle mobility in order to keep their jobs. And the National Archives and Records Administration is on track to eliminate the veterans records backlog by January.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/21/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A new bill aims to raise the pay for blue-collar federal employees. CISA is expanding its cyber services beyond federal agencies. And if you'd like to ghost write for Santa, USPS has a deal for you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/20/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Postponing maintenance at federal buildings is costing the government $22 billion. The White House has temporarily filled a top cyber job. And a Senate committee has taken a big step to help end the hold on nearly 370 military nominations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/17/23) - In today's episode of the Federal Newscast: The Defense Department is still the only federal department that's never earned a clean audit opinion. GOP lawmakers are trying to override a controversial cybersecurity regulation. And locality pay strikes again, as more than 33,000 federal employees will see additional raises in January.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/16/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The IRS's new CIO makes a move with vast experience and success modernizing legacy technology. Several key Biden administration nominees are moving forward in the Senate. And the GSA sees record spending through its contracts for IT products and services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/15/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A Fort McNair Army civilian is guilty of charging thousands of dollars on a GSA gas card. A deputy archivist ends her federal service after more than three decades. And the Pentagon has a new responsible artificial intelligence toolkit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/14/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Technology Modernization Fund Board awards $3.5 million to establish an online "lost and found” registry for unclaimed retirement benefits. A DoD official arrested last month for involvement in a dogfighting ring, has been replaced. And Kemba Walden will step down as acting National Cyber Director at the end of the week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/13/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: GSA is setting up a new contract to help agencies mitigate their supply chain risks. Congressional leaders want an update on how agencies are using AI tools. And as you brace for a government shutdown, how about a snow day?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/9/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Bain Capital has bought consulting firm Guidehouse for $5.3 billion. There’s new leadership at one of the largest federal law enforcement employee groups. And the head of the Pentagon office responsible for investigating UFOs has identified retirement as his next step. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/8/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The size of the U.S. military has dropped nearly 3%. FEMA and CISA publish a first-ever guide for emergency managers to prepare for attack. And the number of TSP millionaires jumps to nearly 100,000.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/7/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The GSA is pouring $2 billion into sustainable construction projects. Data brokers are selling sensitive information like health and financial data of current and former military personnel. And Jane Rathbun is losing her "acting" title as the Navy Department's chief information officer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/6/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Polaris is facing yet another protest. A federal watchdog has found multiple cases of risky mobile apps downloaded onto ICE devices. And the CIO Council has delivered a new guide for managing cloud services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/3/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: In an effort to avoid problems, a Senate bill looks to mandate the use of an AI playbook. An industry association is calling for the streamlining of software compliance requirements from the federal government. And the U.S. Senate confirms the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/2/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: President Biden plans to nominate a new second-in-command at the State Department. Military families could see improvements to housing, child care and school-meal access. And the Senate takes a big step to avoid 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.

(11/1/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The SEC is suing SolarWinds and its Chief Information Security Officer for "defrauding investors." The Pentagon prepares to launch an artificial intelligence pilot program. And spending on classified intelligence activities has taken a big jump to nearly $100 billion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/31/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Gen. Eric Smith, the commandant of the Marine Corps, has suffered what appears to be a serious health episode. Agencies have received updated guidance for the type of infrastructure projects that the Buy American Act applies to. And House Republicans propose taking away billions of dollars in IRS modernization money and using it for aid to Israel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/30/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Navy's principal cyber advisor is leaving government. Correctional officers at Leavenworth federal penitentiary are holding a picket line today. And the Federal Labor Relations Authority Chairman sounds a warning about furloughs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/27/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Federal employees’ demand for mental health services overseas is rising, but help for them is spread thin. HHS surpasses targets for hiring military spouses. And bid protests spiked in fiscal 2022.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/26/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Thousands of non-feds would be eligible to join the Thrift Savings Plan under a new bill. Agencies must award at least 13% of all their prime contracts to Small Disadvantaged Businesses this fiscal year. And survivors of civilian federal employees, killed in the line of duty, are a step closer to receiving greater death benefits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/25/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: TSP participants can now check on their loan applications at any time, as often as they would like. Dozens of companies are urging Congress to create a $1 billion hedge portfolio. And a new online tool should help streamline Freedom of Information Act requests.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/24/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The EEOC swears in a new general counsel, who happens to be blind. DoJ has launched a new online tool to inform attorneys about Pro Bono opportunities. And GSA is planning a new service to make paying for travel and expenses easier across the federal government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/23/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Several GPO workers have filed a lawsuit, alleging a pervasive workplace culture of racism and sexism. The Biden administration is kicking off the first update to the national cyber incident response plan in seven years. And the IRS crackdown on wealthy tax cheats is bringing in 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.

(10/20/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: FEMA is asking the public to test features on its mobile app. Military records destroyed in a 1973 fire, leave some vets from the 1960s trying to prove service. And federal contracting dollars for women-owned small business continue to remain below 5%.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/19/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Sen. Sinema (I-Ariz.) has introduced a bill that would improve death benefits for civilian feds. The SBA has come under fire for planning to ignore pandemic loans under $100,000. And the Coast Guard is looking into AI to catch illegal fishermen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/18/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Department has awarded $40 million dollars in research grants to four Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Federal employees and supervisors will get even more hybrid-work training opportunities. And, heading toward the 2030 count, the Census Bureau looks for public feedback.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 Partnership for Public Service is out with the latest crop of Service to America Medals, or "Sammies," winners. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/16/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The GSA is taking another step to measure how technology vendors are protecting their supply chains. The Navy moves to shutdown a facility at Pearl Harbor that leaked contaminated water. And the IRS has spent $2 billion to rebuild its workforce and modernize its legacy IT systems.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 agencies may get tools to hire military and law enforcement spouses as well as veterans quickly for remote positions.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 Army Enterprise Marketing Office is modernizing its efforts to help reach Generation Z.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/11/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Some feds in the Evergreen State might soon get a boost in locality pay. The new Army chief of staff targets "the network" as his top modernization priority. And an IT leader for the Marine Corps has moved on.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 Army’s trying to modernize just about everything right now – from helicopters to vehicles to radios. But if it’s going to afford all that, it also needs to get rid of old stuff. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/6/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Federal cyber specialists have a new Top 10 List for what not to do when it comes to protecting your network. The Defense Department provides insight into its first awards under the JWCC vehicle. And the Postal Service crackdown on theft is not delivering.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/5/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The IRS may have over-estimated the public demand for a government-run online platform to file taxes. OPM reminds agencies to report telework data accurately. And Open Season is fast-approaching, meaning its time for feds to scrutinize their health care options.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/4/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Virginia's two U.S. Senators make a move to protect contractors in the event of future government shutdowns. Getting an abortion at VA facilities across America is not as difficult as you might think. And the Army has made major changes to its recruitment process.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/3/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Half of America's federal wildland firefighters say they will quit if their temporary pay raise is not made permanent. The State Department has measurably picked-up the pace for issuing passports. And a high-ranking DoD official has been charged with facilitating a dog-fighting ring.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/2/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The National Archives has issued a new guidance to ensure agencies properly manage federal records created on so-called collaboration platforms. The VA expands it burial benefits to families transporting veterans remains to state or tribal veterans' cemeteries. And the Interior Department will no longer buy or sell single-use plastic products.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(9/29/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Postal Regulatory Commission remains at full strength, as it implements its 10-year reform plan. The Department of Homeland Security plans to develop a special hiring system for cybersecurity positions. And OPM has extended the effort to encourage the hiring of military spouses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(9/28/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Homeland Security Committee Republicans want to block funding for a new panel of intelligence advisers that includes Clapper and Brennan. OMB updates FAQs that help agencies prepare for government shutdowns. And will a change in the fiscal calendar help eliminated future government-shutdown threats? Sen. Kaine (D-Va.) thinks so.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(9/27/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The leaders in the U.S. Senate have an agreement. Now what? Since 2020, IRS chatbots have assisted over 13 million American taxpayers. And the 2023 Combined Federal Campaign is ready to take your donations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(9/26/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: USPS wanted to break even this fiscal year. Instead, it has lost nearly $7 billion. The CIO-SP4 governmentwide acquisition contract might finally be in the home stretch. And OMB tells agencies to update their plans 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.

(9/25/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Half the time, GAO says, America's 450 F-35 fighters are grounded because of maintenance issues. GSA again extends the due date for bids for OASIS+. And the VA is taking back nearly $10 million in bonuses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(9/22/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A State Department contractor has been arrested for allegedly sharing classified information with a foreign government. Cisco Systems is buying cybersecurity and data firm Splunk for $28 billion, in a cash deal. And the Air Force abruptly cancels a huge cybersecurity solicitation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(9/21/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: OMB Director Shalanda Young warns that a continuing resolution could discontinue hiring. CQ Brown gets the green light to replace Mark Milley. And the GSA IG says the water in some federal buildings could give you Legionnaires’ disease.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(9/20/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Two congressmen are raising concerns about child care for essential workers during a government shutdown. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has introduced a bill to keep the D.C. court system open during a government shutdown. And a conference committee prepares to hammer out differences over the annual defense authorization bill.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(9/19/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: After three crashes, two of them deadly, the Marines halt aviation for two days. A DHS threat assessment warns of "likely" cyber attacks on America's 2024 elections. And GAO has given its employees several hybrid and remote work options.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(9/18/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Homeland Security advisers are calling for technology investments that support remote work. A Congressional Investigation continues into potential COVID-19 record-keeping violations at NIH. And the IRS is in search of accountants for high-paying jobs to ferret out tax cheats.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.