Tom Temin
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In today's Federal Newscast: USPS wanted to break even this fiscal year. Instead, it has lost nearly $7 billion. The CIO-SP4 governmentwide acquisition contract might finally be in the home stretch. And OMB tells agencies to update their plans for a government shutdown.
September 26, 2023 -
With the machinery already cranking up for a federal government shutdown, can Congress pull itself together to pass a continuing resolution? The situation is fluid.
September 25, 2023 -
Whether you think the U.S. defense budget is too big or two small, one thing is for sure: The planned increase in spending doesn't keep up with inflation. For more on that, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin talked with someone who says there are ways to reallocate the $800 billion odd dollars to get more capability: Heritage Foundation Senior Policy Analyst Wilson Beaver.
September 25, 2023 -
You will survive the government shutdown, if there is one. But it takes some planning and a little knowledge of what to expect. To get some thoughts from a veteran of government shutdowns, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin talked with former Postal Service Manager Abe Grungold.
September 25, 2023 -
In today's Federal Newscast: Half the time, GAO says, America's 450 F-35 fighters are grounded because of maintenance issues. GSA again extends the due date for bids for OASIS+. And the VA is taking back nearly $10 million in bonuses.
September 25, 2023 -
There are lots of reasons why its bad when politicians fail to appropriate money to keep the government going at the end of a fiscal year. This year's shutdown brinksmanship is sharper than ever. So what's so bad if the government shuts down for a few days or a month? Federal Drive Host Tom Temin talked about a list of reasons with Vice President of Research for the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Jeff Holland.
September 22, 2023 -
The drive for economy and efficiency in government operations never ceases, especially when operational budgets don't grow like entitlements or grants budgets. So its up to leadership to foster a culture of ever-better productivity. Most don't to such a great job. Says who? Federal Drive Host Tom Temin's guest Bob Tobias, a long-time federal leadership professor, coach, and general smart guy.
September 22, 2023 -
It's hard to believe that Richard Nixon left office nearly 50 years ago. Some seasoned observers well remember that that image of a waving Nixon boarding the helicopter, after resigning from office. Now the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California, has a new director. Federal Drive Host Tom Temin spoke with Tamara Martin.
September 22, 2023 -
Shutdown countdown on your mind? Tired of congressional vilification? You might be thinking of how great a private sector job would be. Think twice. Many civilian public servants and military people do have great post-government careers. But the private sector offers no guarantees either, and a government or military career may not necessarily have prepared you for work outside of government.
September 21, 2023 -
As autumn brings renewed thoughts of financial plans, Open Season for the federal health benefits plans is approaching.
September 21, 2023 -
September is suicide prevention month, with lots of prevention information coming out of places like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A year in, the federally-backed 988 suicide prevention line has received millions of calls. But now we take a moment to celebrate how service dogs can help with the persistent problem of veteran suicide. For details, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin talked with Cole Lyle, the Executive Director of the Veterans Advocate group called, "Mission Role Call."
September 21, 2023 -
In today's Federal Newscast: OMB Director Shalanda Young warns that a continuing resolution could discontinue hiring. CQ Brown gets the green light to replace Mark Milley. And the GSA IG says the water in some federal buildings could give you Legionnaires’ disease.
September 21, 2023 -
In today's Federal Newscast: Two congressmen are raising concerns about child care for essential workers during a government shutdown. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has introduced a bill to keep the D.C. court system open during a government shutdown. And a conference committee prepares to hammer out differences over the annual defense authorization bill.
September 20, 2023 -
The CARES Act, enacted during the pandemic, let the government reimburse contractors for employees on paid leave: Those who could not access federal work sites or work remotely. One company took the money, then later faced a demand from the Navy for a $4 million reimbursement. It gets ugly. For more, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin spoke with Haynes Boone partner Zach Prince.
September 20, 2023 -
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has a difficult mission. It must constantly assess the condition of the nation's nuclear warheads. Explosive testing has been banned under international treaties for decades. It's been spending billions on new instruments deep underground. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that the NNSA needs to tighten up its program management. For more, Tom Temin spoke with the GAO's Director of Natural Resources and Environment, Allison Bawden.
September 20, 2023