World-famous hacker offers his top cybersecurity tips
In a rapidly modernizing world, it is more important than ever to learn how to protect your personal data. Learn some key cybersecurity tips from an expert hacker.
OPM Issues Memo on Implementing Federal Hiring Executive Order
Business and communication network concept. Business partnership concept.
Offering Life Insurance Protection in these Uncertain Times
Life insurance protects your family from the uncertainty of what the future holds. Your policy with WAEPA is a safeguard you put in place to provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind. This protection is both a precaution, and a crucial component of your overall financial security.
A Fair Pay Raise for Feds in 2021
One of FMA’s primary objectives each year is to provide a fair pay raise for federal employees that reflects their selfless contributions to their fellow Americans.
OPM OIG Details Agency’s Failure to Provide Documents in Letter to Congress
In a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Financial Services and General Government, the Office of Personnel Management’s Office of the Inspector General (OPM OIG) outlined how the central management agency has failed to comply with the laws requiring OPM to provide the OIG with “timely access to agency records.”
Senior Executives Association, Center for Organizational Excellence Host Press Conference Announcing Report on Transforming Human Capital Management in Federal Workforce
In a press conference Tuesday, the Senior Executives Association (SEA) announced the release of a report detailing ways to build the capacity for change within the federal workforce. The report, led by Study Chair Steve Goodrich of the Center for Organizational Excellence (COE), argues that while most stakeholders agree modernization is necessary, in its current state the federal human capital management system (HCM) is ill-equipped to lead that modernization. The report includes three recommendations with 16 action items spread between them.
5 BEST Interview Tips - The Ultimate Formula to Interview Success
Strong interview skills are essential to making a good impression and securing a job. Learn how to set yourself up for the best interview possible.
Seventh Circuit Rebukes MSPB AJ’s Whistleblower Findings, Remands Again for Damages
In 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit held the MSPB acted arbitrarily and capriciously when it dismissed an ATF employee’s Individual Right of Action appeal. The Seventh Circuit’s 2018 opinion found that the employee “properly alleged a ‘protected disclosure’ and exhausted his administrative remedies so that the Board had jurisdiction to evaluate the merits of his claim.” The MSPB AJ denied relief, and the employee appealed to the Seventh Circuit again. On July 16, 2020, the appeals court again held that the MSPB acted arbitrarily, capriciously, and contrary to law. This time, the remand to the MSPB was only on the extent of relief to the employee.
FEDtalk: A Dialogue about Racism in the Federal Government
In the most recent FEDtalk podcast episode, Alice Mercer, Chairperson of the Blacks in Government (BIG) Committee on Affirmative Action/ Equal Employment Opportunity, Margaret Williams, Vice-Chair of the Senior Executives Association (SEA) Board of Directors, and Chad Hooper, National President of the Professional Managers Association (PMA) discuss the implications of racism within federal agencies.
Lawmakers Propose Measures to Curb Spread of Virus in Federal Facilities
Representatives Ted Budd (R-NC), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and John Larson (D-CT) recently introduced the Healthy Skies Act, which would require TSA employees to check the temperature of fliers before they are allowed through security. As federal agencies create reopening plans for their employees, there is pressure on lawmakers to ensure that they do so safely and efficiently. For federal facilities that are open to the public like airports and postal offices, this task is high priority since there is close interaction between employees and members of the public.
OSC Issues Guidance on Black Lives Matter, Hatch Act
In guidance issued last Tuesday, the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) clarified questions relating to use and displays of the phrase “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) while on duty or in the federal workplace. The guidance addresses two central questions: whether BLM terminology is inherently political activity and whether the Black Lives Matter Global Network (BLMGN) is a partisan political group. OSC found the answer to both questions to be no, which under the Hatch Act generally allows employees to engage in BLM-related activity while on duty or in the workplace.
OPM Releases Proposed Rule on Continuation of Benefits, Services During Government Shutdown
In a proposed rule submitted to the Federal Register on July 20, the Office of Personnel Management implements provisions within the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2020 NDAA) that ensure the continuation of certain federal benefits and services in the event of a lapse in appropriations. The FY 2020 NDAA names certain Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) services as emergency services under the Antideficiency Act.
5 Common Phrases That Ruin First Impressions
First impressions can be tough. Here are phrases to avoid and what to say instead.
House Lawmakers Aim for Civilian Pay Parity with DoD
In a letter to House Appropriations Committee members on Friday, several lawmakers advocated for pay party with the Department of Defense (DoD). In the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), House lawmakers included a 3.0 percent pay increase for service men and women. The House lawmakers argued Congress should provide civilian federal employees with the same pay raise.
Labor Authority Finalizes Rule on Canceling Union Dues
The Federal Labor Relations Authority announced a new rule published Thursday that would let employees revoke federal union dues payments at any point during the year after one year in the bargaining unit. Previously, employees only had one opportunity a year to cancel their union dues.
Federal Contractors Face August Deadline for Banning Certain Foreign Technology
The Federal Register has published action items relating to implementation of Section 889 of the John McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 (FY2019). The interim rule implements a prohibition on contracting with entities using certain telecommunications and video surveillance services and equipment effective August 13, 2020.
Lawmakers Express Concern Over Reopening Plans for Federal Employees
Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mark Warner (D-VA) have issued a letter to the acting directors of the Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget expressing opposition to plans to require many federal employees in the national capital region to return to their offices.