Word to the wise: Google yourself before you apply for a job. That goes for military brass too. The Air Force recently said it was doing internet background searches on candidates for a senior nuclear command post. The service had fired the incumbent, Maj. Gen. Michael Carey, for behavior officials say was linked to alcohol abuse. In this week’s Legal Loop, Tom and Emily discussed how the web has changed the federal hiring and promotions process with John Mahoney, chairman of the Labor and Employment Practice Group at the law firm Tully Rinckey.

In our special series this week, A New Era in Technology, we’ve been talking to thinkers and tech experts who are making change happen. One federal chief information officer, Census Bureau’s Brian McGrath, has to think short term and long term.

You may not be that excited about moving into a spanking new building. If the General Services Administration’s recent experience is any guide, you could lose your office. You may have to share a cubicle. But high-performance buildings are integrating workspaces with technology like never before. In our special report, A New Era in Technology, we explore the trend with former GSA Executive Larry Melton. He is now CEO of The Building People.

The Navy Yard in Washington. Terminal 3 at Los Angeles International Airport. From coast to coast, first responders deal with active shooter situations. To improve training and coordination, the Homeland Security Department and the Army have developed a simulation tool. It’s called EDGE — Enhanced Dynamic Geo-Social Environment. They tested it yesterday in Sacramento on local authorities. Milt Nenneman is the first responder coordinator, West, with the Science and Technology Directorate. He describes the exercise and the tool.

It seems at agencies, the more information senior leaders receive, the more data they want to make strategic decisions. As part of our special report, A New Era in Technology, Federal News Radio Executive Editor Jason Miller explores how data-driven decision-making is driving spending and program strategies.

The Army says sequestration has set back its efforts to make facilities more energy efficient. It put on hold new renewable energy projects and building upgrades. Federal News Radio’s DoD reporter, Jared Serbu, says even routine upkeep took a raincheck.