OPM Issues Interim Rule for Recruiting and Hiring Student Interns
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released an interim rule on August 18, 2021 that would make it easier for student interns to be hired by federal agencies. In the past, federal agencies have had stringent rules surrounding their internship programs leading to a path of full employment. This new policy would make it easier for agencies to recruit and retain talented interns.
Safer Federal Workforce Task Force Releases Updated COVID-19 Testing FAQs
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, launched by President Biden to guide federal agencies on safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, has released a new set of FAQs surrounding COVID-19 testing procedures.
President Biden Announces Intent to Appoint FLRA Federal Service Impasses Panel Members
On August 23, 2021, President Biden announced his intent to appoint a group of members to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) Federal Service Impasses Panel. The panel is an entity within the FLRA that currently has no members. The panel chair and members serve on a part-time basis and aid in resolving negotiation impasses between federal agencies and unions representing federal employees.
Partnership for Public Service Calls for Reduction in Number of Senate-Confirmed Appointees, Highlights Trends in Senate Confirmation Process
An August 9, 2021 report from the Partnership for Public Service argues that Senate confirmations of political appointees to fill vacancies are a slow and time-consuming process and many positions should not require Senate confirmation at all.
Supporting Fed Families with Tutoring
With many feds beginning to return to their workplaces at least some of the time and kids heading back to school, FEEA is pleased to continue our tutoring program this fall.
Live at the 21st Annual WIFLE Leadership Training
Each year, the WIFLE Leadership Training brings together women from across federal law enforcement for informative sessions, recruitment initiatives, and an awe-inspiring awards ceremony. This year, FEDtalk recorded live from the event in Tampa, Florida to give listeners an inside look at the event themes, presenters and sessions, guest speakers, and award winners.
iFEST 2021: Learning and Thriving in the New Normal
A year of dramatic shifts in online education and training have made iFEST 2021 a must-participate conference for the distributed learning community. iFEST brings together senior officials and innovators from government, industry, and academia for this three-day online conference to discuss new solutions for the new normal.
It's Not Manipulation, It's Strategic Communication | Keisha Brewer | TEDxGeorgetown
Keisha Brewer, Strategic Communications professional and CEO of the PR Alliance LLC, discusses how we can use effective communication in our everyday lives- both personally and professionally. Her four step approach is helpful in finding new approaches to communication and putting them to use.
GSA Releases FY 2022 Per Diem Highlights
The General Services Administration (GSA) recently released the federal per diem reimbursement rate that applies to federal employees traveling in the continental U.S. (CONUS) during FY 2022. Federal agencies use per diem rates to reimburse employees for expenditures incurred during official travel.
New IG Memo Finds HR Deficiencies at DOJ
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a management advisory memorandum to leaders at the Justice Management Division (JMD) identifying a number of concerns with human resources policies and data. The memo notes several continued deficiencies initially identified in DOJ OIG’s October 2020 report on enhancing human capital titled “Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Justice 2020.”
Proposed Appropriations Bill Tackles DoD Personnel Management
The 2022 Department of Defense (DoD) appropriations bill from the House Committee on Appropriations addresses a number of concerns surrounding DoD’s recruitment and retention efforts. According to appropriators, the Department of Defense needs help filling employment vacancies surrounding career and technical education (CTE) and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in order to remain competitive with its counterparts in China and Russia.
Federal Circuit Disputes VA’s Interpretation of 2017 “Accountability” Law
In two opinions issued on August 12, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found that the Department of Veterans Affairs erroneously interpreted the provisions of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 when disciplining its employees. The purpose of the 2017 law, codified at 38 U.S.C. § 714, was to provide for expedited discipline of VA employees, strip MSPB of its authority to mitigate the VA’s chosen penalty, and to impose a less rigorous burden of proof on the agency at the appellate level than a traditional MSPB appeal.
How to Get Your Brain to Focus | Chris Bailey | TEDxManchester
Learn about how technology can affect attention span. Chris Bailey, author of the book Hyperfocus, talks about how to focus deeper, get distracted less, and become more creative.
75 Years of the Administrative Procedure Act & What it Means for You
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This “super statute” governs the way administrative agencies develop and issue regulations and allows for oversight of agency actions by federal courts. On the August 6th episode of the FEDtalk podcast, the guests took a brief look at the history of the APA and how the law has evolved over the last 75 years. Finally, the group discussed modern issues in administrative law and how these challenges impact the civil service.
With Employees Returning to Work, Federal Managers Need Clarity
Some members of the Federal Managers Association (FMA) are returning to their physical workplaces after more than a year of a maximum telework posture. Others have been given permission to transition to an indefinite future in which their jobs are conducted either fully or primarily remotely. Both options present real challenges to be overcome and FMA is working hard to assist our members in addressing them.
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.