Trump claims big jump in VA trust scores, but data shows modest gains
Patient satisfaction rates have improved steadily at VA in recent years, but Trump insists his changes have reformed the entire department.
Oversight
VA cancels plans for employee satisfaction survey this year
VA has conducted a poll of federal employees every year since 2006, but won't distrubute one this year amid multiple reforms to the workforce.
Shell companies purchase radioactive materials, prompting push for nuclear licensing reform
Shell companies used fraudulent licenses to purchase radioactive materials, prompting calls for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to overhaul its licensing system.
Congress should allow Pentagon to work with start-ups on needed innovation
The Pentagon and Silicon Valley need to team up. Ignoring the role of institutional venture capital in identifying, supporting, and scaling the most promising commercial technology firms is at best inefficient and at worst it is grossly irresponsible.
Battelle to manage $10 billion health care contract for Defense Department
The Omnibus IV contract addresses four market segments that companies could be selected to provide services to the DoD: research and development; R&D support services; regulatory processes; and translational science and support services.
QinetiQ’s American unit agrees to buy software specialist Avantus
“This acquisition is an important step in the execution of QinetiQ’s five-year ambitions to expand our presence in the US,” according to the company’s CEO.
Booz Allen says acquisition aimed at Lockheed, Raytheon, ‘billions’ in contracts
"The government’s narrative is not only inaccurate — it makes no sense," reads one document filed in Maryland federal court.
Why do federal pay raises lag the private sector?
The federal budget proposal unveiled by the White House in March included an average pay increase of 4.6% for civilian federal workers, matching a planned military pay raise. Historically, with pay lagging in the federal sector, other factors including steady opportunities, competitive benefits and hybrid work to retain talent.
5 things every first-time bidder for federal contracts should know
People who have served in the military or worked for the federal government may have a slightly easier time navigating the language used in federal contracting. But it varies even across departments, so everyone needs to build in time for learning.
Alleged bad-faith bargaining by EEOC over return-to-work policy to get review
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all 24 federal agencies reported at least a quarter of employees teleworking by April 2020. Now some departments are reverting to in-person work, though the Office of Personnel Management within the White House has called for maximizing telework.
Now that PACT Act has passed, how soon will veterans see their benefits?
Some portions of the sweeping veterans policy measure will go into effect as soon as it becomes law. Others will take years.
