The State of Government Ethics
The U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) released the results from its annual agency ethics program questionnaire for 2020.
Lawmakers Aim to Improve Technology Security with Supply Chain Training
Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) have introduced legislation aimed at protecting against cyber threats and supply chain vulnerabilities through standardized training programs. The Supply Chain Security Training Act would create a standard training program for federal employees responsible for purchasing services and equipment.
New guidance “a really important moment” in Evidence Act implementation, data expert says
Nick Hart, president of the Data Foundation, comments to Government Matters on the new data and analysis that agencies must submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to comply with OMB guidance on implementing the Evidence Act.
Future of the Federal Workforce and Workplace in the Post-Pandemic Era
On July 15, 2021, the National Academy of Public Administration will present the second in two-part series on the future of the Federal workplace.
2020 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government Rankings Released
The Partnership for Public Service and the Boston Consulting Group released their annual Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings, which rank the best and worst places to work in federal government based on responses to the Office of Personnel Management's annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS).
GAO Releases Accountability Framework on AI
In June 2021, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released an accountability framework on artificial intelligence (AI) for agencies to follow as they incorporate new and emerging technologies into their day-to-day operations.
Former Temporary Workers Could Catch Up on Pension Contributions Under Proposed Bill
Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Tom Cole (R-OK) recently introduced a bipartisan piece of legislation titled the Federal Retirement Fairness Act. This legislation would allow employees enrolled in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) who initially entered government as temporary workers to make catch-up retirement contributions to cover for the years when they were temps.
Change Management in an Ever-Changing World
On the latest episode of the FEDtalk podcast, management guru John P. Kotter and Gaurav Gupta of Kotter Inc. discuss new insights from their book Change on how agencies can take advantage of the changes to improve employee skills and introduce a culture that values change and modern thinking.
The Cold War Crimes Of The CIA | Secrets Of War | Timeline
Learn about the many secret missions of the CIA during the Cold War. From election rigging to embassy spy missions- this video covers it all.
Talk with your kids about money
“Four in Five parents wish they had learned more about money and personal finances in their childhood.”
Parents tend to be tight-lipped with their children about family finances. But talking about money can provide a valuable education and keep kids from thinking money is a scary or taboo topic. One way to shape healthy attitudes and behaviors toward money is to engage in frequent conversations about how money works, how it’s earned, how it’s spent and how decisions about it are made.
Comprehensive Paid Leave for Feds
The past year has featured a significant expansion of paid leave for federal employees. Among these new benefits is an additional 15 weeks of emergency paid sick leave for feds who require time off due to either showing symptoms of Covid-19, or in order to take care of a family member who is suffering from Covid-19. Another expansion of paid leave from the past year is the extension of 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all feds with a newborn, newly adopted, or newly fostered child. Now, Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) is making efforts to expand on this paid leave program.
Being a Manager at the IRS: A Little Bit of Everything
Our members at the Professional Managers Association (PMA) managers spend their days ensuring frontline employees understand and comply with all tax laws at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Managers at the IRS are vital to ensuring tax laws are administered fairly and with integrity.
Travel Restrictions Lifted for Fully Vaccinated Federal Employees
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, led by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), recently announced updates to travel guidelines for federal employees. In accordance with CDC guidelines, the government has lifted all limits on official travel for fully vaccinated federal employees- meaning those who have received their final dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks previously.
President Biden Signs EO Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Federal Agencies
Last week, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce. The new order directs agencies on how to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility among their employees.
House Appropriators Release Draft Funding Bill, Endorse 2.7 Percent Pay Raise
The House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government advanced a draft bill that makes no mention of a federal pay raise for General Schedule employees. Thus, the legislation effectively endorses President Biden’s proposed 2.7 percent average federal civilian pay raise.
Secretary of Defense & Joint Chiefs Chair Respond to Rep. Matt Gaetz on Critical Race Theory
Listen in on Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin responding to Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) on Critical Race Theory. Both parties give their input on the place for CRT in the military.
Mental Health Matters: A Conversation with Law Enforcement
The FEDtalk podcast recently hosted a roundtable discussion on the importance of mental fitness for law enforcement. Panelists discussed the importance of both preventative and reactive mental health for law enforcement professionals.
OPM Announces a Special FSA Enrollment Period
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently announced that federal employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts from now through June 30, implementing provisions of the FY 2021 spending package and the COVID-19 relief bill passed in March 2021.