GAO Investigates Handling of Time and Attendance Misconduct in Federal Agencies
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report last month in which they investigated the prevalence of time and attendance misconduct and fraud within federal agencies. The report describes what is known about the extent of time and attendance misconduct and potential fraud across the 24 agencies using reporting controls and technologies under the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 (CFO Act) to monitor employee time and attendance.
Federal Circuit: No MSPB Jurisdiction for Termination for Failure to Maintain National Guard Membership
A dual-status military technician, whose position was partially civilian and partially military, appealed his termination for failing to maintain membership in the National Guard, a prerequisite to his dual-status appointment under 32 U.S.C. § 709(b), to the Merit Systems Protection Board.
What Feds Need to Know: Fall 2020
As part of our commitment to providing Civilian Federal Employees and their families with access to products and services that promote their health, welfare, and financial well-being, WAEPA has compiled some of the top federal resources you need to be “in the know” for Open Season.
Advocating for Feds to Keep Their Earned Leave
Much of what we do here at the Federal Managers Association comes down to trying to get a square deal for feds. We recognize that federal managers do critical work on behalf of the country, and that without them and the work they do, the country would not function as well as it does. From disaster response to building transportation infrastructure to protecting our national security, feds do the hard work of keeping our country safe, prosperous, and strong.
11 Simple Productivity Hacks To Maximize Your Day
Learn how to have the most productive day possible and accomplish your goals.
USCIS Furloughs Canceled Following Congressional Pressure
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was planning on furloughing at least 13,000 employees at the end of this month due to budgetary shortfalls. On Tuesday, Joseph Edlow, the agency’s Deputy Director for Policy, announced the agency will have enough funding to maintain operations through the end of the year following Congressional pressure.
OPM Launches New Records System
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is introducing a new records system titled “Federal Competency Assessment Records” that will collect and store OPM data to be used for training and development purposes.
AFGE Pushes for Federal Workforce Provisions in 2021 NDAA
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union for the federal workforce, is pushing for the inclusion of several federal workforce provisions within the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Their primary focuses include securing proper pay and keeping federal jobs.
FEDtalk This Week: Making Congress Modern
Chair of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Vice Chair of the Committee, Representative Tom Graves (R-GA), spoke to host Jason Briefel on this week’s episode of FEDtalk. Briefel also spoke with Congressional reform advocates Kevin Kosar of the R Street Institute and Daniel Schuman of Demand Progress.
15 Tips To Manage Your Time Better
We all have 24 hours in a day. How can we make the most of it?
FLTCIP 3.0: Comprehensive Coverage with Added Premium Stability
In today’s world, planning is essential. People are living longer and need a long-range care plan that can sustain them throughout their lifetime.
New Fiscal Goals in Place for Agencies to Maintain Public Trust During Pandemic
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has had to restructure how it handles finances and resources for the American people.
Office of Management and Budget Updates Circular A-11 Budget Guidance
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently introduced their annual update to Circular A-11 guidance for preparing, submitting, and executing the federal budget. This update makes changes to Section 280, which relates to improving customer experience and service delivery.
House Ends Recess Early to Address Postal Service Situation
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is bringing the House back from August recess to vote on emergency postal legislation after concerns that new policies imposed by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) could cause severe mail delays across the country. She said in a statement, "The postmaster general and top Postal Service leaders must answer to the Congress and the American people as to why they are pushing these dangerous new policies that threaten to silence the voices of millions, just months before the election."
OSC: MSPB Misapplied Whistleblower Statute
On August 11, 2020, the United States Office of Special Counsel (OSC) filed an amicus curiae brief in Tao v. MSPB, a case pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, arguing that the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) committed reversible error when it failed to properly analyze an employee’s allegation of whistleblower retaliation.
3 Stretches to Loosen Work-From-Home Body Stiffness
Sitting at a desk all day can take a toll on your body and movement. Learn some simple stretches to do while working from home to relieve tension in your muscles.
Federal Workers Deemed Essential Allowed to Restore Annual Leave
A new interim final rule by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) explains how agencies can restore annual leave for employees who are deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, most federal employees can carry over 30 days of leave to the following year even if they accrue more. However, agencies can restore “use or lose” privileges in extenuating circumstances.
OPM Releases New Guidance on Paid Parental Leave
The Office of Personnel Management issued an interim final rule to implement the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act amendment to the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to certain federal employees who are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The act covers parents who recently gave birth as well as those who are adopting or fostering a child.