OPM’s Series of Memos Concerning Federal Employee’s Pay, Occupational Series
The President signed an Executive Order (EO) implementing the pay adjustments for federal employees in January 2022. As previously reported by FEDmanager, the EO authorizes an increase in statutory pay systems and locality pay systems of 2.2 percent across-the-board and 0.5 percent of basic payroll, representing an overall average pay increase of 2.7 percent.
Agencies Boost Pandemic Response with DPA
Last week, the White House announced the federal government will purchase 500 million rapid COVID-19 tests for American citizens to distribute in response to the omicron variant. To fill these needs, the White House will likely utilize Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 authorities.
GovLoop Report Details Benefits of Intelligent Automation in a Hybrid Federal Workforce
GovLoop examined in a recent report the challenges agencies face in implementing IA, the steps they can take to overcome them, and the benefits IA can provide. The report found that traditional and digital workers composing a hybrid workforce, or intelligent automation (IA), can contribute to a productive work environment and serve as an accelerator for digital transformation.
OMB Seeks Feedback on President’s Management Agenda Learning Plan
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is seeking public commentary regarding the President's Management Agenda's (PMA) draft learning plan addressing government-wide management issues.
White House Launches FEMA-Run Federal COVID-19 Prevention Sites
The Biden Administration has directed federal agencies to allocate resources to strained hospitals and to improve COVID-19 prevention coupled with a surge in federal personnel.
Federal Employees Earn Raise in the New Year
In an executive order, President Biden has approved an average 2.7 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees on December 22, 2021. The increase will be reflected in the first pay period of 2022 and restores pay parity between civilian employees and military personnel.
President's Pay Agent Adds New County to Locality Pay Area
The President’s Pay Agent issued its annual report ahead of an impending executive order finalizing a 2.7 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2022. Upon the release of new regulations next year, Carroll County, Illinois, is set to become a locality pay area, according to the body.
DOD Realizes New Oversight Position in Chief Digital and AI Officer
In a memo to Pentagon leadership, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks announced the creation of a Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO), a new position at the Department of Defense (DoD), to centralize oversight of data and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives under one official at the Pentagon.
EEOC Approves Disability Provisions for COVID-19 Under ADA
COVID-19 technical assistance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) now includes a new section clarifying when COVID-19 may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act.
Smithsonian the Latest Federal Establishment to Publish Climate Change Impact Report
Over 20 federal agencies have released their climate action plans in response to President Biden's executive order (EO) on climate change on January 27, 2021, which required plans outlining how the agencies plan to accomplish each climate change-related action, as well as how they can better adapt and increase resilience to climate change impacts through improvements to their facilities and operations – the Smithsonian Museums and Galleries is the most recent publisher of their plan.
Federal Agencies Commit to Strengthening Customer Service
In a recent executive order (EO), President Biden outlined a people-centered approach for improving customer service in the federal government, emphasizing efficiency and accountability, and furthering the President’s Management Agenda. To implement this initiative, the administration plans to develop a sustainable funding model for the Technology Modernization Fund and increasing investment in the U.S. Digital Service.
Senate Raises the Debt Limit by $2.5 Trillion
In a 50-49 vote, the Senate approved a measure to raise the nation's borrowing limit by $2.5 trillion, preventing a debt default that could cripple agency operations until 2023. The measure now heads to the House where it is expected to pass imminently.
OPM Extends COVID-19 Hiring Authority Extension
Under an extension announced by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) last week, federal agencies will have through June 30, 2022, to use the special Schedule A hiring authority established as a pandemic response.
OMB’s Guidance Follows Federal Injunctions of the Contractor Vaccine Mandate
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) provided guidance to agencies to ensure compliance with the court orders currently applicable to federal contractors in the United States and outlying areas. With a nationwide preliminary injunction in effect, federal contractors will not be required to comply with a vaccine mandate imposed by President Biden.
House Passes PODA, Aims at Preventing Executive Overreach
A package of reforms approved by the House will protect federal civil servants, bolster agency watchdog programs, and limit temporary appointments to federal positions. The measure passed on a tight party-line vote of 220 to 208, with Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) as the lone Republican voting in favor of the bill.
OPM Director Says Agency Rebuilding, Hundreds Hired
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kiran Ahuja stated that a congressionally mandated report on reforming the federal government's human resources (HR) has galvanized the workforce to support change.
OPM Advises Agencies that Federal Employees Entitled to Leave for Boosters
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kiran Ahuja reminded agency heads in a brief memo that they must provide federal workers with paid time off if they plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot.
White House Announces Temporary Hold on Vaccine Mandate Disciplinary Actions
In response to noncompliance with its mandate that federal workers be vaccinated against COVID-19, the Biden administration announced Monday that suspensions and other serious penalties will be delayed until 2022.