Federal Newscast
2,312 episodes — Page 17 of 47
Defense Department officials took risks when authorizing commercial cloud services, DoD IG says
(2/21/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Did DoD officials take risks when authorizing commercial cloud services? OPM is offering Federal HR specialists a free web-training opportunity. And the Commerce Department has a new leader for advancing equity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
State Dept. gets serious about cybersecurity
(2/17/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Justice and Commerce Departments join forces to target cyber crime. The backlog of retirement claims at OPM ballooned last month. The State Department gets serious about cybersecurity. And there's a new portal on USAJobs.gov for prospective interns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Postal Service moves to crack down on 'a surge in counterfeit postage'
(2/16/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Postal Service is moving to crack down on 'a surge in counterfeit postage.' The Office of Management and Budget is looking to update the federal grant-making process. And the White House takes steps to defend federal-agency data from the power of future quantum technology.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
NIH $50 billion IT-services contract being buried under protests
(2/15/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The $50 billion IT-services contract from NIH is being buried under protests, yet again. The Air National Guard is providing humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Turkey. And DoD announces the first successful test flights of F-16s flown with artificial intelligence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Top Virginia lawmakers join forces to make final non-partisan pitch for new FBI HQ in their state
(2/14/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Powerful Virginia lawmakers, of all stripes, are making a final pitch to land the new FBI HQ in their state. Some GOP Congressmen are asking FEMA's top manager about COVID-related decisions. And OPM has selected finalists for the Presidential Management Fellows Program.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
TSA’s use of facial recognition comes under congressional scrutiny
(2/13/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Transportation Security Administration’s use of facial recognition comes under congressional scrutiny. The Government Printing Office moves to adopt 19 suggestions to make federal information easier to access digitally. And the Pentagon releases a report on the quality of life for military families.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Growing disagreement between OMB and GAO is no act
(2/10/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Department IG warns against unauthorized apps on government phones. A growing disagreement between OMB and GAO is no act. And the National Cyber Director is retiring next week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GAO preparing first-of-its-kind estimate of total fraud across all federal programs
(2/9/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: GAO is preparing a first-of-its-kind estimate of the total amount of fraud across all federal programs. DoD health care providers expand their use of electronic health records. And GAO says FEMA needs stronger oversight of public-private partnerships.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Agencies slow to act on some critical cybersecurity recommendations
(2/8/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Agencies are dragging their feet on some critical cybersecurity recommendations. GSA is expanding its data reporting initiative. And MREs of the future could be made from nothing more than water, air and energy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Momentum continues toward modernizing Congress
(2/7/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The momentum continues toward modernizing Congress. President Biden names a Microsoft executive to chair a key cybersecurity advisory committee. And the new website, AirForce.com, has landed for all potential recruits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Child care for DoD employees is falling short, GAO says
(2/6/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Child care for DoD employees is good, but costs too much and is in short supply. A new bill could change how COLAs are calculated for federal retirees. And if you're violating certain federal civil statutes or regulations, get ready to pay higher penalties.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MSPB says federal hiring officials should focus more on skills rather than education
In today's Federal Newscast, the Merit Systems Protection Board encourages federal hiring managers to focus more on job candidates' skills, rather than their education. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Navy wants local help figuring out what to do with a now closed facility
In today's Federal Newscast, a Hawaiian company will help the Navy find community-based solutions to reuse the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Oahu.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A new way to measure the government's supply chain security readiness
In today's Federal Newscast the Federal Acquisition Security Council is developing a scorecard to help assess governmentwide supply chain security readiness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
PRAC: Potentially over $5 billion in fraudulent pandemic loans from SBA
In today's Federal Newscast, a pandemic watchdog flags billions of dollars in potential fraud from programs offered by the Small Business Administration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
State Department employees suffering from mysterious condition now have an avenue for financial help
In today's Federal Newscast, the State Department outlines how employees suffering from so-called Havana Syndrome can qualify for compensation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Looking for a job? Now could be a good time to start your intelligence career
In today's Federal Newscast, the National Security Agency is embarking one of its largest hiring sprees of the last three decades.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Concerned with potential damage to national security, two Senators request review of consulting firms' dual US-China relationships
(1/26/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Concerned with potential damage to national security, two Senators have requested a review of consulting firms' dual US-China relationships. The January 11 flight-delay fiasco, leads the House to pass a bill requiring the FAA to fix the problem. And TSP millionaires have made a slight comeback.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
DoD wants to declassify more intelligence to enhance private-sector cybersecurity
(1/25/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Department wants to declassify more intelligence to enhance private-sector cybersecurity. GSA is taking new steps to make sure the software it uses is secure. And Janet Yellen says not to fret over your retirement money. It'll be there.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OPM draws wrath of House Oversight and Accountability Committee
(1/24/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The OPM has drawn the wrath of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency fires back at a lawsuit over a software contract. And after waiting almost a year for confirmation, Brendan Owens lands a new Assistant Secretary of Defense job.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GAO sounds the alarm on federal cybersecurity efforts
(1/23/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The GAO is once again sounding the alarm on federal cybersecurity efforts. The Veterans Affairs Department is weeks away from taking its next step to modernize its supply chain systems. And OPM is hiring a chief learning officer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Treasury Department temporarily suspends investments in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund
(1/20/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Treasury Department is temporarily suspending investments in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Federal contracting officers have new training and certification requirements. And the State Department is launching a new program to resettle refugees in the U.S.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GAO audits another big federal program with big fraud potential
(1/19/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: GAO audits another big federal program with big fraud potential. The Defense Department has a new plan to manage its satellite communications. And lawmakers reintroduce legislation to equalize Social Security benefits for federal retirees.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Court fight continues over government-shutdown double back pay
(1/18/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The court fight continues over government-shutdown double back pay. A New York congressman is urging CISA to examine air traffic control vulnerabilities. And the State Department will pay $37 million in a class-action lawsuit involving some 230 disability discrimination cases.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
IG slams NASA's software asset management, calling it 'basic'
(1/17/23) In today's Federal Newscast: The Inspector General criticizes NASA's software asset management, calling it 'basic.' Some Coasties are treading water, trying to find affordable housing. And CISA looks to speed up hiring.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Soldier sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for $3 million PPP loan fraud
(1/13/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A soldier has been sentenced to 42 months in prison for $3 million in PPP loan fraud. New recommendations are out on how to collect sexual orientation and gender-identity data. And the clock is ticking on your chance to donate to the Combined Federal Campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Grassley calls for 10 agencies to account for payment arrangements of temporarily employed non-feds
(1/12/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A powerful senator wants to know how some agencies are paying non-federal temp employees. The Navy Secretary expresses concern about maintenance backlogs at four shipyards weakening combat readiness. And where's Robin? Congressman Comer thinks GSA's Carnahan is working way, way outside the beltway.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Another agency discovers the benefits of other transaction authority
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dalhgren Division, like other defense units, seeks to bring new industrial capabilities quickly to benefit the mission. Now it has entered into a new other-transaction-agreement, or OTA, to do just that. OTAs in the right circumstances let agencies speed up acquisitions, often non-competitive ones. For details, Federal Drive host Tom Temin spoke with the Dalhgren Division's Head Contracting Officer, Melisha McAuliffe and with VP of the Sea, Space and Air Division at ATI, Chad Bryant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GOP House members named chairmen of Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees
(1/11/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: House Republicans continue to enjoy their majority, naming two more members to committee chairmanships. Defense Secretary Austin officially ends the military's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. And AFGE continues to grow new members.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GOP chairmen selected on House Ways and Means and Homeland Security Committees
(1/10/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Republicans have started selecting chairmen for their House committees. OPM offers agencies a first look at new HR standards to help improve the delivery of services. And the 2023 Presidential Rank Awards are open for business.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bad computer-password practices could lead to a phishing-attack crisis
(1/9/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Bad computer password practices could lead to phishing attacks at the Interior Department. 2022 Unclassified Defense Department procurement spending nearly hits an all-time high. And the penalty for unethical feds could hit over $70,000.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
DoD reveals name-change recommendations for nine Army bases
DoD reveals the name-change recommendations for nine Army bases. AFGE says inmate sex incidents are creating stress-induced illnesses for federal prison guards. And private debt collectors hired by the IRS get mixed reviews.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Indictments, convictions and millions recovered, as DHS OIG tackles COVID-19 fraud
(1/5/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: COVID fraud leads to indictments, convictions and millions recovered, thanks to the efforts of the DHS OIG. Leaders at OPM search for better ways to support their hybrid workforce. And DoD wants to know what it costs to wear a uniform.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Biden renominates Gigi Sohn to FCC, 14 months after failed first confirmation effort
(1/4/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The President tries again, 14 months later, to get Gigi Sohn on the FCC. Awash in scandal, Congress calls for more oversight of privatized military housing. And Senators Carper and Collins insist Postmaster General DeJoy formulate a new recruiting and retention plan, as delivery delays persist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Military academy superstar athletes no longer can turn pro upon graduation
Military academy superstar athletes can no longer turn pro immediately after graduation. OPM reminds agencies that there are rules about putting political appointees into civil service jobs.And the State Department gets aggressive searching for its next generation of IT workers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Congress wants DoD's telework policies set in stone
In today's Federal Newscast, emphasizing the availability of telework for federal jobs may lead to better recruitment and retention. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
NIST is out with new methods for agencies to handle data privacy concerns
In today's Federal Newscast, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has new guidance for federal agencies that need to reduce privacy risks in giant sets of data. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Legislation order Bureau of Prisons to upgrade its security hardware
In today's Federal Newscast, the Federal Bureau of Prisons will have to overhaul its outdated security systems under legislation the president signed yesterday. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
NARA signs new telework agreement with AFGE
In today's Federal Newscast, a new telework agreement for one agency gives its employees more flexibility See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
DHS IG finds Homeland Security not too secure about revoking credentials from former employees
(12/12/22) - In today's Federal Newscast - The DHS Inspector General finds Homeland Security not too secure about revoking former employees' credentials. A new bill calls for NOAA to breakaway from the Commerce Department. And after a two-year wait, federal guidance on the ethical use of AI is MIA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
CBP's $17 billion budget means a bigger focus on the border
(12/22/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: A $17 billion dollar budget for CBP means a bigger border focus. The Merit Systems Protection Board releases a report on sexual harassment at federal agencies. And feedback is needed on how federal employees pay their union dues. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OPM has its first deputy director in two years
(12/21/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Office of Personnel Management has its first deputy director in two years. Information on CIA's new Open Source Enterprise director, can be found in open sources. And OPM data breach victims need to act fast to get their $700.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GOP Senators urge defense secretary to reinstate military members and issue backpay for vaccine-related discharges
(12/20/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: Republican Senators urge Defense Secretary Austin to reinstate military members and to issue backpay for vaccine-related discharges. The personal information of more than 250,000 people possibly exposed in data breach. And L3Harris Technologies is buying Aerojet Rocketdyne for almost $5 billion. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Senate continues its crusade against duplicative federal programs
(12/19/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Senate continues its battle against wasteful duplication in federal programs. Over the past two years, the wage gap for federal agencies does not improve for women. And the Air Force makes progress accommodating civilian employees with disabilities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Senate unanimously passes bill that would ban TikTok on government devices
(12/16/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Senate has unanimously agreed that TikTok should be banned. The percentage of women serving in the military keeps going up. And the Federal Protective Service is facing staffing shortages.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Lawmakers want retired military officers held accountable for jobs with shady foreign clients
(12/15/22) In today's Federal Newscast: With the cost of living up, so is the military's Basic Allowance for Housing. Lawmakers want retired military officers held accountable for jobs with shady foreign clients. And the Defense Intelligence Agency embraces artificial intelligence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The chances of a government shutdown, just about slammed shut
(12/14/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The chances that congress will shut down the government look slim...maybe. Space Force guardians sharpened their skills tracking Artemis between the Earth and the moon. And the State Department is planning to create a new bureau to address future infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
DoD IG issues critical report on behavior of former director of the White House Military Office
(12/13/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Department Inspector General issues a critical report on the behavior of the former director of the White House Military Office. A 17th Sergeant Major of the Army has been selected. And DCSA awards two contracts worth more than $2 billion each.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OPM prepares to gather telework information from all agencies
(12/12/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: OPM prepares to gather telework information from all federal agencies. DoJ and HHS strengthen their partnership to put more heat on fraudsters. And a senior official leading workforce issues at the State Department is stepping down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
NDAA will give direct financial help to servicemembers in need
(12/9/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The National Defense Authorization Act will give direct financial help to servicemembers in need. The Department of Homeland security gets some suggestions on how to improve customer service. And another bill is on the way to vanquish government jargon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.