Census Update: Conducting the Count Around Coronavirus
March 12 marked the first day U.S. households began receiving official Census Bureau mail with information on how to respond to the 2020 Census. Once invitations arrive, households can respond online, by phone, or by mail. Households can expect to receive their census packet by March 20.
Presidential Management Alumni Association Announces ‘Couchella’
This is uncharted territory for everyone - massive school closings, mandatory telework, travel bans, cancelled sporting events, closed restaurants. The next few weeks will feel challenging and a bit surreal. As we adjust to this new normal, we know many of you are feeling disconnected, anxious, and out of your element. That's why PMAA is stepping up to provide you with access to information and tools to help you make this transition seamlessly, while still feeling engaged with your community.
Today…Telework. Tomorrow…20/20 Hindsight, Allegations & Accountability
While the world is facing an unprecedented crisis, finger-pointing and allegations of “mismanagement” may begin. We know this because we’ve defended federal employees in other unprecedented crises, just in the last few decades, such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Benghazi, Waco, Ruby Ridge, wildfire fatalities, etc.
10 Things You Can Do to Manage COVID-19 at Home
Worried you may have contracted COVID-19? Here are tips from the CDC.
COVID-19 Across the Government: How Agencies Are Handling the Outbreak
As members of Congress become increasingly concerned about the spread of COVID-19, also called the coronavirus, agencies are stepping up guidance to employees regarding maintaining health and safety during the outbreak. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, for the majority of people, “the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low,” but emphasizes the importance of preparedness. Read on for an overview of some of the actions taken by lawmakers and some agencies to prepare for the potential spread.
Department of Justice Issues Final Rule on DNA Collection for Migrants
The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final rule announcing the start of DNA collection from immigrants in federal custody beginning this spring. The rule is meant to fully enforce the DNA Fingerprinting Act of 2005, which requires the government to collect DNA samples “from individuals arrested, facing charges, or non-U.S. persons who are detained.”
House, Senate Committees Advance Budget Transparency Bills
Both the House and Senate government oversight committees have advanced legislation that would make information regarding federal government spending more transparent to the public. The legislation, entitled the Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2019, was introduced by Congressmen Mike Quigley (D-IL) in the House and Gary Peters (D-MI) in the Senate.
Federal Circuit: Settlement Adherence for Sixteen Years Was Reasonable Enough
In 2001, a Department of Veterans Affairs employee reached a settlement agreement with the Agency after filing a whistleblower reprisal appeal (called an Individual Right of Action) at the Merit Systems Protection Board. One term of that settlement agreement was the Agency’s agreement to allow the employee to work a compressed work schedule of 10 hour days, four days per week, including three hours per workday of travel.
Your Questions about FEGLI and WAEPA, Answered. Via Twitter!
Life insurance can be confusing, especially in the federal space, where benefits packages can be overwhelming packets of paperwork, filled with unfamiliar acronyms and pricing tiers.
7 Strategies for Virtual Teams and Remote Workers
As more employees utilize telework, here are tips for managing remotely.
OPM Pushes New Assessment Tools for Critical Skills
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is partnering with agencies to increase use of assessments to determine which employees can be reskilled to meet changing workforce needs. The assessments are also being used within agencies to streamline the selection process for employees with skills to meet critical skills gaps.
Acting USCIS Director Appointment Unlawful, Court Holds
Ken Cuccinelli’s appointment as acting Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is unconstitutional, a federal district court held this week.
Senators Question Staffing Changes at EEOC
Two senators have submitted a letter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to obtain more information regarding staffing levels and needs at the agency. The senators also inquired about how the agency is prioritizing staffing needs.
Coalition to Congress: Whistleblower Rights ‘Dysfunctional in the U.S.’
Last week, a coalition of civil society organizations covering the political gamut under the auspices of the Make It Safe Coalition sent a letter to House and Senate leaders on Capitol Hill highlighting challenges to whistleblower rights and protections in the United States.
Bipartisan Work to Modernize Congress
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is engaging in a discussion on ways to modernize Congress.
Integrating Program Integrity into Your Office
Tune in to FEDtalk this week to hear about how federal offices can mitigate fraud, waste, and abuse before the issue requires an oversight investigation. Joining our host, Natalia Castro, will be Linda Miller from Grant Thornton, Andrea Peoples from the Small Business Administration, and Rebecca Shea from the Government Accountability Office.
FMA and the Power of Advocacy
The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is hosting its annual national convention and management training seminar in Alexandria, Virginia, March 29 through April 1. The centerpiece of the event is the “Day on the Hill,” when FMA members will meet with members of Congress and their staffs to discuss issues important to their installation, their agency, and to FMA.
Exploring Varied Federal Environments in North Carolina
Huey and I experienced a wide range of environments in North Carolina. During the few weeks we were in the state, we faced below-freezing temperatures and days with highs in the seventies. We drove through rural farmland surrounding the Uwharrie Forest, suburban sprawl surrounding Research Triangle Park, and urban streets in Wilmington. We (tried to) visit the most modern of research facilities and saw the remains of a colonial settlement from over 200 years ago. We followed the trail of federal government involvement through all of these environments. I continue to be amazed at the vast scope of federal influence, which oversees the history and the future innovations coming out of North Carolina.