OPM to launch new survey on work-life programs in 2017

The Federal Headlines is a daily compilation of the stories you hear discussed on Federal Drive with Tom Temin.

• Federal employees can expect a new survey on telework and other workplace flexibilities. The Office of Personnel Management said it will administer the first governmentwide survey on work-life programs early next year. OPM said it will look at the survey results to point out high performing agency programs and come up with new recommendations. It wants each agency to designate a point of contact by Nov. 10 to help administer the survey. (Chief Human Capital Officer Council)

• A federal judge blocked parts of the White House’s final rule on fair pay and safe workplaces. The rule, scheduled to take effect yesterday, mandated federal contractors to report violations of labor and employment laws. The National Law Review reported the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeast Texas argued it would cause irreparable harm and the judge agreed. (Federal News Radio)

• Reaction to the L.A. Times story revealing National Guard soldiers being forced to pay back reenlistment bonuses officials said they never should have received. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is launching an investigation asking for all related documents and audits. The President wants a fair investigation but the White House said he is not supporting a blanket waiver. (House Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

• The Pentagon is launching a survey for troops. The 2016 Morale, Welfare and Recreation Customer Satisfaction Survey will help gauge MWR programs like gyms and fitness classes, officials say. About 200,000 members of the National Guard and Reserve components will receive the survey. Military spouses will also be allowed to take part for the first time. (Department of Defense)

• The government’s top intelligence official said the time has come to split U.S. Cyber Command from the National Security Agency. James Clapper, the director of National Intelligence, told the Council on Foreign Relations Tuesday the dual-hatted relationship between NSA and Cyber Command was never meant to be permanent and that both organizations need separate leadership considering the scale of their responsibilities. His comments came one day after Cyber Command announced that the 133 teams it’s building for offensive and defensive operations have reached their initial operating capability. Full capability, involving a workforce of 6,500 people, is expected two years from now. (Federal News Radio)

• With next year’s modest cost of living adjustment, one senator wants legislative action to help out Social Security recipients. Sen. Chuck Schemer (D-N.Y.) called for the passage of the SAVE Benefits Act. It would give recipients a one time check for $581. Schumer said it would be paid for by closing a tax loophole for corporate compensation packages. (Sen. Charles Schumer)

• The General Services Administration met a key deadline under the White House’s cybersecurity plan. Fifteen vendors received approval to sell cybersecurity services through the new Special Item Numbers under GSA’s IT schedule program. GSA said these contractors will provide: Penetration Testing, Incident Response, Cyber Hunt and Risk and Vulnerability Assessment services. Through these new SINS, agencies will have quicker and more reliable access to these support services. GSA said vendors will expand agencies’ capacity to test their high-priority IT systems, rapidly address potential vulnerabilities and stop hackers before they impact federal networks. GSA completed this effort in about 60 days. (General Services Administration)

• A former senior employee with the Fish and Wildlife Service pleaded guilty to hiding his second income. According to the Justice Department, Stephen Barton worked as the treasurer for an association that received grants and cooperative agreements from FWS while also working as the chief of administration and information management with the agency. (Department of Justice)

• To better serve citizens, the next administration has to look at things from their point of view. In its just-published transition papers, the government-and-industry group ACT-IAC called for a customer experience approach to citizen services, so online visitors don’t have to navigate the confusing government array of agencies. Federal Chief Information Officer Tony Scott underscored that need. He saidthe government’s IT is overly tied to agency or authority. He says that arrangement by org-charts “will kill us.” (ACT-IAC)

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