NDAA / Bill Impacting Benefits and Department of Defense Pay

So many employers are embarking on a new concept for Parents; benefits, grants for daycare and even back pay may all be a part of the 2020 Defense Authorization Bill. The House and Senate recently passed a bipartisan bill funding the government through 2020. We should learn soon, after the House and Senate Bills are …

USAJOBS Website – Opportunities and More

USAJOBS is an official Government site that provides a wealth of information about federal job opportunities. The myriad of resources available help links job seekers and agencies with the ‘right’ matches and opportunities for employment; as part of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), USAJOBS fosters recruitment and retention building of a world class government workforce …

Federal Recruitment Initiatives

The Federal Government is seeking new and creative ways to recruit and retain technical employees, many resources are being used for this effort. Government faces stiff competition when recruiting for areas such as cyber security, information assurance, engineering, information technology, science and math. With the variety of critical jobs needing to be filled, highly qualified …

Background Investigations and Clearance Processing (New & Improved?)

Background and security clearance investigation processing delays have created many problems for agencies. The responsibility for these Investigations may soon be transferred to the Department of Defense from the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB), who handles them now. The President is expected to issue an executive order to authorize this change in the near future. …

Federal Pay Raise Approved!

The 2019 spending bill, H.J. RES.31, approved an increase in salaries for Federal workers. President Trump signed the package which includes funding for the government through September 30 and a 1.9% raise in pay for federal workers. In addition, the pay raise is retroactive to the first pay period of 2019. In the past, these …

Performance Management in Federal Agencies

With the Federal Government as the largest employer within the U.S., there are over 2 million full time employees across a myriad of agencies and offices, worldwide. Given this, the Human Resources departments have their hands full with negotiating and managing such a large and diverse workforce. Challenges are plentiful, and more importantly is the …

The Government Shutdown – What to Expect

Certain government agencies are currently shut down because Congress hasn’t passed a budget to fund them.  Instead of working together for the good of the country politicians are focusing on how best to support their party and keep their jobs!  Just one more reason to support term limits for our Congressional representatives. This may take …

Workplace Flexibility

Given that the federal government has been and will be facing a myriad of challenges, many of these agencies are adopting their own versions of flexibility, and defining them as such. Employees, as well, are becoming more vigilant and proactive in asking for a variety of flexibilities that will afford them a better work life …

Understanding Cyber Security Positions – New Guidance from the OPM

Cyber security employment is expected to increase dramatically for the foreseeable future due to concerns about cyber security crimes and the war against terror. These concerns have spurred the demand for cyber security professionals across the board and the need to fast track the recruiting process. Agencies are now able to more easily identify, recruit …

STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is an applied approach to a curriculum focusing on these four discipline areas. The importance of these areas in our future, and specifically as part of our government, are considered strategic. Understanding how the world works requires new knowledge, which in turn fosters curiosity; STEM satisfies this quest …