Small Business Administration

In today’s Federal Newscast, the Congressional Budget Office takes a look at just how much it will cost for the Defense Department to go through with all of its plans for the near future.

A bill in Congress would make sure federal employees who work in security, food service, and janitorial services, get reimbursed after the government shutdown ends.

The federal acquisition regulation council never got around to updating the FAR, so its rules have differed from those of the Small Business Administration. Finally that situation is rectified, almost.

The Small Business Administration and private-sector partners are looking to give women-owned small businesses a better shot to entering the federal contracting market through their ChallengeHER program. 

Agencies impacted by the shutdown have turned off Twitter and Facebook feeds, while Washington D.C. area restaurants are offering free food.

Kathleen McShane, who oversees the Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Centers, enjoys mentoring women and encouraging them to take the next steps to launch their businesses.

Bright spots in the Partnership for Public Service’s Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings show particular progress at some of the largest agencies, including DoD and Homeland Security.

In today’s Federal Newscast, 11 agencies improved their grades, and for the first time no agency received an F on the Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act or FITARA scorecard.

Agencies have also said they’re beginning to evolve and mature their views on how they can improve employee engagement.

In today’s Federal Newscast, with the threat of a government shutdown looming, the National Treasury Employees Union is pleading with Congress to pass the seven remaining appropriations bills.