Tom Temin
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Love 'em or have 'em, federal proposed rules have a habit of becoming final. For contracting officers in the Defense Department, the latest acquisition regulation means they're obligated to use the Supplier Performance Risk System in evaluating bids.
June 16, 2023 -
In today's Federal Newscast: HUD's customer experience leader is stepping down. A new 30-member team's been picked to focus on ways to improve the Army experience for women. And Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk is the latest loser among Confederate leaders.
June 16, 2023 -
Understaffing everywhere you look is making employees work into overdrive
June 15, 2023 -
Immersive technology has shown real promise in treating both physical and psychological illnesses. It is taking hold at the Veterans Health Administration, enabled by a special network called the Extended Reality Network.
June 15, 2023 -
The push for ever-more productivity. The noodging to return to the office. the political comings and goings. The funding uncertainty. It's enough to convince some feds it's time to retire. But think about it first. There's an opportunity cost to retiring.
June 15, 2023 -
In the view of one business group, the Federal Data Strategy needs a top-to-bottom rethinking. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation says the strategy simply doesn't serve the needs of a government trying to modernize and digitize.
June 15, 2023 -
In today's Federal Newscast: The IRS has its third new technology leader in four months. Reforms to the national security classification system were just passed by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. And a hefty pay raise is in the works for American service members.
June 15, 2023 -
The State Department's modernizing program includes a news emphasis on data, what is called, Data for Diplomacy. State gives annual awards to employees who advance the use of data to improve things. Federal Drive host Tom Temin's guest was recognized for how he identified challenges in collecting data about foreign assistance.
June 14, 2023 -
The Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General, Joseph Cuffari, is hanging onto his job by a thread. He acknowledge in a hearing that he has deleted messages from his government cell phone, which at least two members of Congress say is a violation of federal records laws.
June 14, 2023 -
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seems kind of new at a mere 20 years of age. But it has a lot of really old information technology, politely called, "legacy systems." The Government Accountability Office gave DHS a list of recommendations for modernizing. But, as you might have guessed, there's still a lot of work to do.
June 14, 2023 -
In today's Federal Newscast: The Homeland Security IG's deleted texts continue to vex Democrats in congress. A GOP-controlled House committee votes to fully fund the President's $300B request for the Dept of Veterans Affairs. And FEHB enrollees will soon be empowered to amass a bigger nest egg for health care expenses.
June 14, 2023 -
It's not so easy picking out cars and light trucks for your federal fleet. No more garages full of Chevy Luminas. Now the General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees these things, has issued an online tool to help fleet managers pick out electric vehicles.
June 13, 2023 -
Three contractor trade associations have banded together on the issue of foreign military sales. Last year they sent a long list of suggested changes to the Defense Department. This year they're focusing on the State Department.
June 13, 2023 -
Most discussions about federal modernizing, center on information technology. For the armed forces, modernizing is also about physical systems that require a solid manufacturing industry base. That is where the non-profit Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Integration Center comes in.
June 13, 2023 -
In today's Federal Newscast: Senator Ron Wyden thinks spy agencies might be going too far to get data on Americans. The Treasury's IG says the IRS could improve on how it awards cash to whistleblowers. And Congress looks to eliminate the Pentagon’s office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation.
June 13, 2023