Federal Newscast
2,340 episodes — Page 18 of 47
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.
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.
IBM's shopping spree lands a Reston firm, as it gobbles up its 25th company since 2020
(12/8/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: IBM's shopping spree lands a Reston firm, as it gobbles up its 25th company since 2020. DoD's chief financial officer wants an actual budget to pass, not a CR. And the Veterans Affairs Department continues to struggle to comply with a litany of laws. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders reached an agreement on NDAA
(12/7/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders have reached an agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act. U.S. scientists turn into diplomats (of sorts) on foreign soil. And the Social Security Administration unveils its new website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
House Republicans urge EEOC bring employees fully back to the office
(12/6/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: Republicans in the House call on the EEOC to fully bring back federal employees to the office. A new study finds that reaching out to certain TSP participants, boosts the money they invest. And GSA's Technology Transformation Service has a new leader. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
'The Evil Twins' are on the House calendar for the first time,for a possible first-ever vote
(12/5/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Evil Twins are on the House calendar for the first time for a possible first-ever vote. With a $10 billion ceiling, a solicitation is out for one of the most anticipated IT services contracts of the year. And a 2022 IRS watchdog investigation leads to 26 firings and much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gets high marks for its cybersecurity program
(12/2/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gets high marks for its cybersecurity program. Watchdogs say mistakes and fraud led to telehealth overbilling during the pandemic. And DoD wants to know if the kids are doing all right.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
President's Management Agenda sets training and supplier diversity goals
(12/1/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The President's Management Agenda sets agency goals for training and supplier diversity, among others. Seventy House lawmakers push for billions of dollars for the Social Security Administration. And the Senate confirms a new Defense Department IG.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A banner year for GSA IT contracts
(11/30/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: We have the numbers on a banner year for GSA IT contracts. The Space Force orbits into its first overseas combatant command. And the VA's shift away from paper checks, snuffs out fraud.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Certain military laboratories can now pay a top annual salary of $226,000
(11/29/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The military’s Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories can now pay you $226,000 per year. The National Science Foundation experiments with more working from home. And the cost of sending junk mail is going up.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Social Security Administration asks for billions of more dollars to do its job
(11/28/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Social Security Administration says it needs billions more to deliver for Americans. The federal government saw an overall drop in improper payments in fiscal 2022. And federal employees still have time to make changes to their health care enrollments. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Two former VA employees plead guilty to embezzling nearly $3 million from the agency
(11/23/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: Two former VA employees are likely headed to federal prison for their $3 million scheme. A lead cyber agency is on the hunt for a key piece of technology. And OPM will temporarily halt applications for the Federal Long-Term-Care Insurance Program.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Congressmen want to know what agencies are doing to ensure clean water across America
(11/22/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: Two congressmen want to know what agencies are doing to ensure clean water across America. DOJ wants agencies to provide more information in different lanugages. And the House Modernization Committee looks at the need to have a congressional Chief Data Officer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Small businesses get some inflation relief from the SBA
(11/21/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: Small businesses get some inflation relief from the SBA. Federal first responders, with on-the-job injuries, may soon get better retirement benefits. And federal prosecutors have filed charges following a gun battle that killed a CBP officer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A bill designed to standardize federal-election mail-in ballots is headed to the House floor.
(11/18/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: A bill meant to standardize mail-in ballots for federal elections is heading to the House floor. A long-running dispute between employees and the Education Department has reached a settlement. And USPS has gifted itself some new sorting machines, just in time for the holidays.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The year-old $3 billion infrastructure law is actually leading to stuff being fixed
(11/17/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is actually leading to stuff being fixed. The Defense Logistics Agency gets a step closer to hitting the spot with G-Invoicing. And the GSA looks to Arkansas for nuclear and renewable energy sources for federal agencies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OPM urged to disallow salary-history consideration in federal recruitment and pay determination
(11/16/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: OPM is urged to disallow salary history in both the hiring and pay-setting processes. The VA is taking corrective action after disclosing the vaccination status of more than half a million employees. And the Secret Service gets some new cybersecurity advice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Pentagon continues to face challenges responding to cyber attacks on military networks
(11/15/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Pentagon continues to face challenges in responding to cyber-attacks on military networks. Agencies may get some help with training for human resources specialists. And the Defense Department still can't meet its goals for keeping its planes "mission ready."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Air Force and Space Force offer a day off for servicemembers to get the bivalent booster shot
(11/14/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Air Force and Space Force are offering a day off for servicemembers to get the latest shot. Three agencies are teaming up to help veterans better understand their protections against employment discrimination. And the Biden administration is taking steps to require major federal contractors to reduce air pollution.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GAO: New TSA screening technology is discriminating at airports
(11/10/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: It looks like the TSA has a screening machine that discriminates. The hiring surge at the Internal Revenue Service continues. And the Defense Department has a new chief of defense industrial base cybersecurity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Boasting a 91% success rate, the IRS rakes in $31 billion from tax cheats
(11/9/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: Boasting a 91% success rate, the IRS rakes in $31 billion dollars from tax cheats. A new director has been named at the NIH to run what's called, "NCATS." And a House committee moves to help VA employees concerned about the mishmash of state abortion laws.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Number of TSP millionaires continues to drop
(11/8/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: The world continues to have fewer TSP millionaires. AFGE continues to grow. And VA healthcare embraces the possibly toxic today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GAO warns Coast Guard that it's too slow creating rules to improve safety aboard older commercial fishing vessels
(11/7/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: GAO warns the Coast Guard that it's way behind improving safety aboard older commercial fishing vessels. EV-driving DoD employees will have an easier time charging their vehicles in 2023. And veteran homelessness dropped 11% in 2022, according to the VA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.