Federal Circuit: Deciding Official on a Proposed Adverse Action Stemming from a Security Clearance Determination Is Not Required to Have an Alternative, Available Penalty
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently held that a deciding official has no obligation under 5 U.S.C. § 7513 to have available an alternative penalty when deciding on a proposed adverse action that is based on a security clearance determination.
President’s Proposed Budget Calls for Agency Cuts, Reorganization
President Trump has put forward his proposed budget for FY2020. While presidential budget proposals rarely mirror the actual appropriations legislation passed through Congress, they do predict where spending battles will be and the president’s policy agenda for the next year. For FY2020, the president proposed deep cuts to federal employee benefits and a reorganization of the Office of Personnel Management.
Federal Government Vulnerabilities Highlighted in GAO 2019 High Risk List
The biennial High Risk List released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified 35 areas of vulnerability within the federal government.
7 Essential Mobile Apps for Federal Employees in 2019
Most Civilian Federal Employees own smart phones loaded with apps designed to add value to their daily lives. For those looking for guidance on government information and services, there are a variety of mobile apps sponsored by the Federal government which provide relevant and accurate information.
House To Vote On Access To Congressionally Mandated Reports Act
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.
FLRA Reconsidering Its Use of the Allen Factors to Award Attorney’s Fees
On March 1, 2019, the Federal Labor Relations Authority issued a press release stating that it was inviting amici curiae briefs on an issue in U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas, and American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Local 1633, Case No. 0-AR-5354. The issue involves whether the Federal Labor Relations Authority should reconsider relying on the factors in Allen v. U.S. Postal Service, 2 M.S.P.R. 420 (1980), when considering awards of attorney’s fees.
Financial Planning for Feds
In the wake of the partial government shutdown, financial planning has been on the minds of federal employees everywhere. Tune in to FEDtalk this Friday at 11 am EST for a discussion on financial planning pre- and post-retirement.
Security Clearance System Gets First Major Change in 50 Years
For the last year, representatives from the intelligence community, Department of Defense, Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have been working to reform the security clearance process to combat massive backlogs. Over the next two weeks these groups will present the Trusted Workforce 2.0 framework to Congress and the president to address this issue.
Bipartisan Legislators Attempt To Reconnect Unions And Agencies
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.
National Quantum Coordination Office Opens in White House
Federal agencies will be working with the White House to pursue quantum research and development objectives through the National Quantum Coordination Office. The office was established under the National Quantum Initiative Act signed into law in December. Numerous agencies will be working with the White House to foster unified quantum efforts.
The Power of Meeting Your Members of Congress
As the 116th Congress churns into full gear, it will be bombarded with hordes of people seeking to meet with members of Congress and their office staffs. Corporations, associations, and others have already been making visits for several weeks, introducing themselves to the freshman members of Congress or solidifying previous relationships with more experienced lawmakers.
Bill Introduced To Require Air Conditioning In All U.S. Postal Service Mail Trucks
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.
Federal Circuit: 38 U.S.C. § 7402(f) Compels VA to Remove Title 38 Employees That Lose Medical Licenses for Cause
Recently, the Federal Circuit examined the interaction between statutory language under 38 U.S.C. § 7402(f) that compels the Department of Veterans Affairs to terminate Title 38 employees who lose their medical licensure for cause, and the due process rights available to those employees.
Trump Administration Releases Plan for Open Government
The Trump White House has released their first National Action Plan for Open Government, the fourth plan released by the U.S. This plan outlines how the U.S. will increase access to government information for “developers, academics, entrepreneurs, and everyday Americans” over the next two years. This plan differs greatly from previous plans, and while some elements of the plan are new, others are already underway.
Dell, GSA Partnership Means Tech Changes for Agencies
Last week, negotiations concluded between the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and Dell EMC for technology to modernize agency data centers. This deal is the result of several laws passed in 2015 and 2016 which sought to strengthen IT acquisition strategies.
A Presidents’ Day Walk Through Time
Last week’s FEDtalk brought together some of Washington D.C.’s best historians on the development of early American government. American University Associate Professor of History Gautham Rao, Washington Papers Project Assistant Editor Dana Stefanelli, and President Lincoln’s Cottage Senior Executive Assistant Zach Klitzman offered their take on the legacy of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and the nation’s capital itself.
Diving Into Early Presidential History
Presidents’ Day is the perfect opportunity for a trip through time to celebrate some of our nation’s formative leaders. This week on FEDtalk, historians will come together to discuss how our early presidents shaped the role of the executive and how that role continues to change over time.
Emergency Legislation Introduced To Keep MSPB Leadership In Place
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.