OPM Issues Guidance on Emergency Paid Sick Leave
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on Wednesday released guidance to agencies on implementing the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The guidance includes a summary of the statutory and regulatory requirements for federal employees to access their paid leave.
Courts Halt Two COVID-19 Treatment Scams
In the last week, federal courts in Utah and Texas issued respective injunctions against two groups halting the sale of coronavirus “cures” and “treatments” that have been deemed fraudulent. In Utah, the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah issued a temporary restraining order against defendant Gordon Pedersen of Cedar Hills, Utah, and his companies, My Doctor Suggests LLC and GP Silver LLC. In a civil complaint and accompanying court papers filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that Purity Health and Wellness Centers and one of the firm’s principals, Jean Juanita Allen, fraudulently promoted so-called ozone therapy as a treatment for COVID-19.
Domestic abuse soars globally since lockdown
As stay at home orders continue, domestic violence has left some people locked in unsafe homes. Here is a look at the global impact and how some countries are responding.
Federal Circuit: “Retaliatory” Investigations Not Personnel Actions Under WPA
A Department of Veterans Affairs medical center director made multiple protected disclosures to the VA Office of Inspector General about agency spending and contracts in October 2013. He repeated those concerns in a conference call in January 2014. His second line supervisor was on that conference call. The second-line supervisor, several weeks later, appointed an Administrative Investigation Board (AIB) to investigate inappropriate relationships with subordinate staff, and investigators treated the medical center director as a subject of that investigation.
White House Releases Guidance on Reopening Federal Agencies
The White House has rolled out its plan to begin reopening the country following the shutdown of non-essential businesses in nearly every state due to the coronavirus pandemic. To go along with guidelines for state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector for reopening the country, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in conjunction with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has released guidance for agencies on actions they may take to return to normal operations while still prioritizing adherence to local advisories.
NIST Launches Challenge to Improve Technology for First Responders
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced a new four-phase competition challenge, called the Chariot Challenge, aimed at using innovative technologies to provide first responders with more accurate and immediate information when responding to public emergencies. The competition includes an Augmented Reality (AR) challenge and an Internet of Things (IoT) challenge.
Department of Justice Announces Disruption of Hundreds of COVID-19 Scams
Work by federal law enforcement and private sector partners has resulted in the disruption of several hundred online COVID-19 scams in the last few weeks. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been prioritizing the investigation of COVID-19 related crimes and fraudulent activity in an attempt to combat criminals looking to take advantage of the situation.
Supreme Court: Federal Sector Personnel Actions Must Be Free of Any Consideration of Age
On April 6, 2020, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Babb v. Wilkie. The question in this case was whether the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) requires federal sector employees to show that age was a “but-for” cause of the personnel action taken, rather than merely show that it was tainted by any discrimination at any stage. Previously, the court interpreted the private-sector provision to require “but-for” causation. In its April 6 decision, the Court held that “[t]he plain meaning of § 633a(a) demands that personnel actions be untainted by any consideration of age.”
Free Webinar on Exploring Mindset During the Pandemic
Join the Senior Executives Association, Treasury Executive Institute, and The Arbinger Institute, for a Free Webinar on April 28th from 12pm- 1pm focused on Exploring Mindset During the Pandemic.
Financial Help and Other Resources for Feds Dealing with COVID-19
We want to be sure you know how to receive help and access resources through the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA), the only 501c3 charity by and for federal civilian employees. We encourage you to share this information with other federal employees and contact FEEA with any questions at emergency@feea.org.
Andrea Abat: Special Agent for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
In honor of Earth Day yesterday, learn about how EPA Special Agent Andrea Abat works to protect the planet.
Coalition Outlines Needs of Federal Employees During COVID-19 Response
The Federal Postal Coalition issued a letter this week to lawmakers highlighting the challenges federal employees are facing as they attempt to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter lists and explains several policies lawmakers can enact to meet the needs of the federal workforce.
OPM Announces Lift of Hazard Pay Cap, Guidance on Shelter in Place
In two notices released Tuesday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that government employees who are considered essential frontline employees could receive extra pay during the coronavirus pandemic and clarified how federal employees should work amidst local stay at home orders.
Georgia Man Arrested for Attempting to Defraud VA
Christopher Parris of Atlanta, Georgia has been arrested and charged with wire fraud for attempting to sell millions of nonexistent respirator masks to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in exchange for large upfront payments. Parris made a series of misrepresentations in an attempt to get the VA to secure orders for up to 125 million face mask and other personal protective equipment (PPE) which would have totaled over $750 million.
Officers Receive Qualified Immunity From 1983 Claim Regarding Extension of Warrant For Vehicle To Include Search For Keys
A warrant authorizing a search of property and the seizure of a vehicle implicitly included a search of the property for police to seize the vehicle’s keys, the Eighth Circuit recently held.
Here to Help: Resources for Feds During COVID-19
On FEDtalk this week, join host Tony Vergnetti to hear about some of the important resources available to federal employees and recommendations for federal employees during these times of financial uncertainty and vulnerability brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. It is especially critical for federal employees to obtain information that is credible and easy to understand.
When Overwhelmed is an Understatement – Knowledge is Power
“I’m overwhelmed” has never been echoed amongst LEOs across all agencies more than it is right now. Officers are concerned over decisions and actions/inactions in the performance of duties and/or managing incarcerated individuals, parolees, subjects, targets, COVID related crimes, etc. Supervising agents are also concerned about managing employees.
Resilient Minds on the Front Lines Trailer
Made by first responders for first responders, Resilient Minds on the Front Lines is a new regular webcast to help those on the front lines handle the emotional toll of the pandemic.
DHS Establishes Coronavirus Procurement Team, Provides Additional Contractor Guidance
The Department of Homeland Security announced last week a specialized team dedicated to procurement related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Procurement & Acquisition Innovation Response (PAIR) Team is providing support to DHS components, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in reviewing, vetting, and coordinating procurement inquiries.
NIST Makes Revisions to Mobile Security Guidelines Amid Increased Telework
The National Institute of Standards and Technology released an update to their Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices in the Enterprise. This update to the mobile device guidelines is the first since 2013 and, while it was not done due to the surge in employees on telework, NIST leaders do note its particular importance during the current situation.