Federal Employees on the Front Lines
On FEDtalk this week, join host Natalia Castro to hear the stories of the federal employees working on the front lines while millions of Americans stay at home. From the Postal Service to Federal Veterinarians to the IRS employees delivering stimulus checks to the American people, federal employees are keeping the nation afloat during these trying times.
Honoring Interior’s Law Enforcement
This week is National Police Week. Here is an inside look into the Department of the Interior’s law enforcement components.
Show Mom You Care: Have a Conversation about Long Term Care Insurance
This Mother’s Day, as you look back at the many years your mother cared for you, consider the possibility that she may require care herself someday. Long term care insurance can help ensure that your mother will get the care she needs, should there come a time when she requires help managing some of the activities we associate with independent living.
Department of Labor Issues Guidance on FECA Claims
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued guidance for federal employees for filing claims under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act due to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). All federal employees who develop COVID-19 while in performance of their federal duties are entitled to workers’ compensation coverage.
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund Expands Hardship Assistance Program
The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) has expanded their Coronavirus Hardship Program to provide additional relief to families experiencing financial hardship due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
Rep. Wexton Introduces Legislation to Utilize Agency Collaboration to Combat Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) has introduced legislation to require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to work with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop guidance and training for law enforcement to identify and combat domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic.
Federal Circuit Upholds MSPB Decision on PTSD Defense
A Department of Veterans Affairs employee challenged a suspension through an Individual Right of Action, claiming whistleblower retaliation, and also challenged his removal from federal employment through an MSPB appeal.
Federal Managers Answer the Call of Public Service in that Hour of Our Nation’s Need
Last week, Government Executive reported more than 10,000 federal employees have contracted Covid-19. This news came as overall confirmed positive cases in the United States passed one million. FMA members are doing their part to help stop the spread, while finding and creating ways to accomplish their missions and provide the vital services on which the American people rely.
Putting an Estate Plan in Place in Just One Week
If you have ever lost a loved one, you know just how difficult it can be to function after such a terrible loss. The reality is that when one of your loved ones passes, someone in your family is going to have to move quickly to make decisions, divvy up responsibilities, and plan for the days that follow.
2020 Public Service Recognition Week
This week, we recognize the public servants across the country working hard for the American people. Thank you.
IRS Recalls Over 10,000 Employees to Perform ‘Mission-Critical’ Work
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) called for some 11,000 employees to voluntarily return to their offices to perform “mission-critical” functions while adhering to CDC recommended guidelines for utilizing face coverings and maintaining social distancing. The service’s requirement for face coverings, but limited ability to provide them, has stoked concern among some stakeholders.
NASA Crowdsourcing Initiative Gives Employees Chance to Take On the Pandemic
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is bringing back an old crowdsourcing initiative to allow their innovative employees to contribute to solving problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The “NASA@Work” initiative has been used previously to gather employee ideas about a problem facing the agency. Since a new initiative launched on April 1 to crowdsource ideas for combatting the coronavirus, over 200 employee ideas have been submitted.
Lawmakers Seek to Codify Interagency Cooperation on the Coronavirus
Lawmakers are seeking to codify into law cooperation between federal agencies to support the scientific community’s efforts to track, research, and prevent the spread of diseases like coronavirus. The Computing Opportunities to Vanquish Infectious Diseases Research Act of 2020 (COVID Research Act) authorizes a White House interagency working group and directs the group to develop a national strategy to address the disease outbreak, among other priorities.
Federal Circuit: “Retaliatory” Investigations Not Personnel Actions Under WPA
A Department of Veterans Affairs medical center director made multiple protected disclosures to the VA Office of Inspector General about agency spending and contracts in October 2013. He repeated those concerns in a conference call in January 2014. His second line supervisor was on that conference call. The second-line supervisor, several weeks later, appointed an Administrative Investigation Board (AIB) to investigate inappropriate relationships with subordinate staff, and investigators treated the medical center director as a subject of that investigation.
4 Hours of Ambient Study Music to Concentrate
Concentrating at home can be hard. Here are some smooth sounds to get you through the workday without words to distract you.
White House Releases Guidance on Reopening Federal Agencies
The White House has rolled out its plan to begin reopening the country following the shutdown of non-essential businesses in nearly every state due to the coronavirus pandemic. To go along with guidelines for state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector for reopening the country, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in conjunction with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has released guidance for agencies on actions they may take to return to normal operations while still prioritizing adherence to local advisories.
White House Releases Guidance on Contractor Reimbursement
On Friday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo to agency leaders on additional avenues for compensating contractors available through the CARES Act stimulus package passed last month. The guidance is described as a supplement to previous guidance on acquisition responsibilities during the COVID-19 response.
Senate Passes Deal to Replenish Small Business Loan Program
The White House and Senate and House Leadership indicate that the groups have reached a deal to replenish the loan program for small businesses that has been depleted during the coronavirus response. The deal totals more than $480 billion for various funding needs for healthcare and loan programs and was passed in the Senate by voice vote today.