Women's Day 2021 (8 March) - UN Chief
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the United Nations recognized the work and contributions of women around the world.
OPM Memo States Marijuana is Not a Disqualifier for Federal Employment
A February 25, 2021 OPM memo announced that candidates for federal employment should not be barred from federal employment on the sole basis of marijuana usage.
Personnel Vetting, Suitability, Clearance, and Credentialing Efforts Move Forward
The federal government’s efforts to modernize and rationalize its workforce vetting policies and protocols continue to move forward, with actions coming at the tail end of the last administration and in the first month of the Biden administration.
Report Applauds Bright Spots in Federal Government’s COVID-19 Response
The Partnership for Public Service recently released a new report titled “Bright Spots in the Federal Government’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The report details 65 bright spots related to the federal government’s COVID-19 response, divided into four categories: leadership and stewardship, talent, innovation and technology, and collaboration.
House Democrats Attempt to Bring Back Congressional Earmarks
House Democrats have moved to restart the use of earmarks in an effort to prevent Congressional gridlock and pass legislation more effectively. This move would alter how Congress allocates $1.4 trillion in discretionary funding. Earmarks allow members of Congress to itemize funds in appropriations packages for specific programs and projects in their district. Earmarks have been banned since 2011.
Making Our National Security Workforce Reflect Our Nation
The most recent FEDtalk podcast episode featured a roundtable discussion on diversity and inclusion in the U.S. national security workforce. The guests discussed diversity gaps in national security, barriers to equal opportunity, and the opportunity present today. Through their work, the guests have sought solutions to diversifying the national security workforce and bridging divides to help people of color and underrepresented groups succeed. The show highlights the work being done to create a culture of inclusivity in the national security space.
Return on Investment of Remote Work
Join Ms. Kate Lister for a thorough analysis on remote work and its effectiveness. Also, gain an understanding of remote work pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19.
Do you have enough emergency savings?
Life happens. And sometimes, it brings a financial hardship to your doorstep, leaving you scrambling to find the cash needed to handle the unexpected and often, unwelcome situation.
Agencies Release New COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Under President Joe Biden’s January 20, 2021 executive order, federal agencies had to create new guidelines and safety protocols to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with the order, several agencies have already introduced formal plans that outline office safety measures and policies they plan to implement.
Ambassador Susan Rice Provides Keynote Address for Event on Forging Future of Federal Leadership
The African American Federal Executive Association, Executive Women in Government, Senior Executives Association, and Management Concepts partnered to present “It Starts with Us: Forging the Future of Federal Leadership.” The event featured Ambassador Susan Rice, current head of the White House Domestic Policy Council, as a keynote speaker and then continued with a panel discussion on the role of leaders in increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the federal leadership cadre of the future.
2021 US Citizenship Act Would Expand Federal Hiring and Workforce Reforms for Homeland Security Agencies
President Joe Biden and his administration recently proposed the 2021 U.S. Citizenship Act to Congress, where Democrats have introduced it in both chambers. The act would revamp the immigration system in the United States and reverse many immigration initiatives that were introduced by the Trump administration. The plan includes several reforms aimed at improving the homeland security workforce.
Penalties Mitigated in Arbitration, after an Agency Decision, Do Not Establish Disparate Treatment
McKenzie Holmes was a U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) employee from 1989, until his removal in 2018. At the time of his removal, he worked as a city carrier at the Fort Dearborn Station in Chicago.
Lawmakers Push for More Vaccines for Federal Workforce
In a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Kathleen McGettigan and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky, several Democratic lawmakers from the National Capital Region, including Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Del. Eleanor Norton Holmes (D-DC), have requested that the federal government allocate vaccines for federal employees, especially those in the National Capital Region of Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
Managing Organizations to Sustain Passion for Public Service
The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is proud to present a BookTalk with Jim Perry and Rob Seidner looking at keeping your employees passionate: Managing Organizations to Sustain Passion for Public Service. Sponsored by the Los Angeles County Management Council, this discussion is relevant for government agencies and nonprofits alike.
Advocating Excellence and Investing in Management
The Federal Managers Association’s primary objectives are to advocate excellence in public service through effective management and professionalism, and to actively represent our members’ interests and concerns.
NASA releases first images taken by Mars Perseverance rover after historic landing
The Mars Perseverance rover landed on the red planet just a few days ago. Learn about the touchdown of the largest rover to ever land on Mars, weighing over a metric ton.
OPM Releases Memo on Recent Pay and Leave-Related Legislative Changes
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a memo on February 16, 2021 detailing several legislative changes and extensions affecting federal employee pay and certain benefits with the implementation of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
DOJ Issues Memo on Gaps in Whistleblower Protections for Contractors
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) sent a management advisory memorandum to remind personnel about whistleblower rights and protections for contractors. Michael Horowitz, DOJ’s Inspector General, sent the memo to Michael Allen, who is the Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Senior Procurement Executive in the Justice Management Division.