How Federal Supervisors Can Protect Themselves in Today’s Political Environment
In July, FEDS Protection President & Founder Tony Vergnetti was fortunate enough to join host Alex Tremble on The Alex Tremble Show to discuss the professional exposures of federal supervisors and how Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) can help protect against these liabilities. Mr. Vergnetti was joined in the episode, “How Federal Supervisors Can Protect Themselves in Today’s Political Environment,” by Brenda Wilson, FEDS Protection Director of Marketing, Strategy, and Business Development.
Updated Guidance on Protocol for Determining Vaccination Status of Federal Employees
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, launched by President Biden to guide federal agencies on safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced in updated guidance that agencies need to ask about the vaccination status of federal workers, who could face consequences for providing false information but may decline to answer.
CISA Releases New Training Guide for Cyber Professionals
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a guide on Friday to help current and prospective cyber professionals chart their careers. This guide comes out amid the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s announcement of the launch of the Cyber Talent Management System.
Employee Group Calls for Ban on Using Salary History in Hiring Process
The DOJ Gender Equality Network (DOJ GEN) recently called on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to stop permitting hiring managers to ask for an applicant’s salary history when hiring. Last year, six Department of Justice (DOJ) employee associations wrote a letter to DOJ component leaders calling for an end to this practice, but the Justice Management Division responded, saying that the practice was justified under federal hiring regulations.
Senate Homeland Security Committee Advances Cybersecurity, Supply Chain Bills
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a business meeting last week to advance several legislative items collectively intended to bolster cybersecurity in the U.S. and promote supply chain modernization.
The Key To Overcoming Social Anxiety
As people get vaccinated and return to work, school, and social gatherings, some may find that they have forgotten how to relax and socialize with their peers. Learn some tips on overcoming social anxiety in this video.
Bolstering Federal Veterinarians Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges for all people in a variety of ways. For employers, one of such challenges included the need to adapt how employees showed up to work. For federal employees, many of whom serve in essential capacities, there were all kinds of adaptations and considerations that needed to be accounted for. The Federal Veterinarian community was no different.
Six ways to be a more mindful spender
Devoting time to thinking more clearly about your relationship with money and your spending habits can be a great step towards saving money. If you’re on a journey to become a more thoughtful spender, consider the following steps.
Federal Managers—Why You Need PLI
Every federal employee has some level of liability exposure, but federal managers may be at a greater risk than they realize. Even if the allegations are ultimately proven untrue, the cost of defending against an adverse administrative action, disciplinary proceeding, or civil lawsuit can be devastating. However, Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) from FEDS Protection is available to help protect federal managers and supervisors when the unexpected happens.
Biden Administration Announces Vaccine Requirement for Federal Employees
On Thursday afternoon, the Biden administration announced a requirement that all federal employees and contractors show proof of vaccination or submit to regular COVID-19 tests, wear masks, and physically distance from others while at work.
According to GAO Report, Agencies Must Effectively Implement Evidence Act
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), federal managers identified a wide range of weaknesses in their ability to build and use different types of evidence.
Appropriations Update: Senate Begins Funding Bill Markups, Security Supplemental Signed into Law
The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations has begun markups on funding bills for the federal government. Additionally, a bipartisan security supplemental bill was signed into law last week.
Laptops & Locality Pay
Locality pay exists because some areas have significantly different costs of living from others. Before telework, this was not a complicated issue.
QSMOs and the Trail to Mission Success
Learn more about Quality Service Management Offices (QSMOs) and how they can help agencies achieve their goals by providing a vast array of tools and resources. Customer agencies can choose which products from the QSMO Depot will help achieve their mission success journey.
OPM Issues Additional Guidance on Agency Reentry Plans
On July 23, 2021, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kiran Ahuja issued guidance on telework, pay, and travel as federal employees return to their offices. This new guidance supplements a June memo released by OPM, GSA, and OMB detailing reentry plans for federal employees, as FEDmanager reported last month.
CHCO Council Back Under OPM Jurisdiction
According to an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) press release dated July 20, 2021, OPM Director Kiran Ahuja announced that the Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCO) Council’s functions will be restored to OPM, after the previous administration split the council between OPM and the General Services Administration (GSA).
Bipartisan Bill to Create Data Science Jobs in the Federal Government
Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced H.R. 3533, the Federal Career Opportunities in Computer Science Work Act, which would establish career pathways in computer science within the federal government.
So, What Comes Next?
As we at the National Academy of Public Administration think about how to safely and productively “return to work” we have been struck by the complexity of the decision and potential next steps.