With the upcoming deadline to pass the budget for the 2016 fiscal year, it’s a good time to revisit the impact of past shutdowns and Continuing Resolutions (CR) – both which can delay funding to agencies and cause uncertainty over future funding. Much has been written about the cost of these budget uncertainties, particularly aroundRead… Read more »
Working for a publication that almost exclusively serves the public sector and its partners, I routinely deal with practitioners and leaders at all three levels of government. Previously, I worked for an organization that archives data for government research projects. Along the way, I’ve picked up several tips and tricks for working effectively with electedRead… Read more »
Welcome to the second installment of this series on Congressional action that could impact federal customer experience (CX). As I said in my first post, the purpose of this series is to help federal CX advocates track bills that could impact federal CX. That way, we can suggest improvements, help good ideas become law, andRead… Read more »
By law, agency inspectors general are given a great deal of independence from pressures from both their agencies and Congress. But to be effective, they need to develop positive relationships with both. Some are more effective than others. What makes the difference? In January 2015, Michael Horowitz, chair of the cross-agency Council of Inspectors GeneralRead… Read more »
Everyday, cyberthreats are growing in number and sophistication. As each new exploit is exposed, it leads one to wonder what else is vulnerable in the federal government’s vast network architecture. And with limited resources and trained personnel, it is increasingly difficult for government to keep up with the advanced capabilities of cyber adversaries. In response,Read… Read more »
While the act of offering a GSA Contract expedite can be valuable in serving federal buyers, it could be mis-utilized. Congress will be reviewing this complex practice in the nearing months (or years), to guarantee that this is not mis-utilized, and fairness is practiced among the Federal Acquisition Community.
Women’s History Month presents us with an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of women everywhere. One inspiring woman who is still making history today is U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland (pictured above). She is the longest serving woman in the history of Congress, extending her record with each passing day.Read… Read more »
I was a federal employee during the government shutdowns of 1995–96 and 2013 which resulted from conflicts between a Democratic President and Republican-controlled Congress. It is 2015, and here we are again. A federal agency and its employees are being subjected to Congress’ inability to pass a funding bill. Last week, a House bill was re-filed to fund the DepartmentRead… Read more »
Money can’t buy happiness… right? A lot of us, theoretically, like the idea of a simple lifestyle. But at the same time, if we can afford it, we enjoy going out to eat with friends, buying nice clothes, and taking exotic vacations. It’s nice to have a higher budget, if just for those freedoms. ManyRead… Read more »
Does anybody remember or even care about the GSA scandal of 2012? That wild partying which somehow was brought into the election campaign. As I predicted from day one and many times thereafter, the real scandal would come later and it will be well hidden. My predictions were accurate. I don’t see any congressional showboatingRead… Read more »