Obama Instructs Federal Agencies to Upgrade Customer Service
President Obama has instructed federal agencies to come up with ways to use technology to improve their customer service offerings within 6 months.
Agency News
Stay updated with the latest federal agency news, including developments affecting federal agencies, agency operations, workforce policy, and federal employees across government. This category covers OPM guidance, agency leadership changes, federal workforce initiatives, management directives, oversight reports, GAO and IG findings, and legislation impacting agency operations. Follow breaking updates on federal hiring, telework and workplace policies, agency performance, and major actions shaping how federal agencies serve the public and support their employees.
GAO: DOD Is Terminating the National Security Personnel System, but Needs a Strategic Plan to Guide Its Design of a New System
During fiscal year 2010, DOD achieved its initial goal of transitioning approximately 75 percent of NSPS employees to the General Schedule system despite having to overcome some challenges. DOD plans to transition the remaining NSPS employees by the January 1, 2012, mandated deadline.
Rep. Bishop Introduces Legislation to Enhance Border Security
Rep Rob Bishop (R-UT) introduced the National Security and Federal Lands Protection act. The legislation aims to close security gaps on federal lands along the nation’s borders.
Legislation Proposed to Require DHS to Secure Borders within 5 Years
Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI) has introduced legislation that would require the Department of Homeland Security to gain operational control of both the northern and southern borders within five years.
Should the Use of Advanced Imaging Machines be Restricted? Two Congressmen Think So
The use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines by the TSA in airports around the country has been a controversial issue. Security and health concerns have been expressed about the use of the machines, while others think the machines make flying safer. Two Congressmen are sponsoring legislation to restrict use of the machines in airports.
Five Day Mail Delivery? GAO Weighs In
The GAO has issued a report on the potential cost savings vs. risk factors for the USPS moving to a 5 day mail delivery schedule. According to GAO, the new schedule would likely result in substantial savings, however the extent of these savings depends on how effectively it is implemented.
TSA Considering ‘Trusted Traveler’ Program to Expedite Security Screening
Air travel security has become time consuming and cumbersome with the TSA regulations for screening passengers. However, the TSA has begun considering a “trusted traveler” program recommended by the US Travel Association that would pre-screen passengers via background checks that would enable them to bypass a lot of the extra security screenings.
Rep. Chaffetz (R-UT) Introduces Federal Lands Disposal Bill
In a 1997 Clinton Administration report performed by the DOI, approximately 3.3 million acres of land were deemed suitable for sale to private entities. This proposed bill would enable the sale of this land.
Aggressive Union Organizing at Transportation Security Administration: National Security Issues?
The Author looks at one of the unions involved in organizing TSA. In a letter to airport screeners, a union president promises to continue pressure for a collective bargaining agreement and that if NTEU is elected, all Federal security Agencies present at an airport will be represented by the same union. The Author asks if that is a good idea. You decide.
Holiday Travel Advice from the TSA
Whether you love the new security procedures or hate them, there’s no disputing that TSA has been up against a lot of public scrutiny because of the new procedures. Here is how the agency recommends making your air travel easier as you fight the crowds over this Thanksgiving holiday.
