Weekly Roundup: July 5-8, 2016

Filling a Hole Before Transition.  Federal News Radio says Andrew Mayock’s nomination to be the deputy director for management at OMB has cleared  committee and is now pending before the full Senate.  If confirmed, he has committed to helping smooth the transition to the next president.

Navigating the Obstacle Course. FedScoop had an exit interview with GSA’s Phaedra Chrousos, who helped stand up the new Technology Transformation Service: “As a startup entrepreneur turned political appointee, standing up the new service ended up being a great fit. I happen to really love building new things where they are the most needed — whether that’s a company in the private sector or an organization in the public sector.”

FOIA Amended on Eve of 50^th Anniversary. Government Executive reports: “Just in time for the July 4th 50th anniversary of the Freedom of Information Act, President Obama on Thursday signed the long-sought bipartisan FOIA reform bill . . . The 2016 Freedom of Information Act codifies the “presumption of openness” that Obama embraced during his first year in office and curbs what its drafters call an overuse of exemptions by agencies withholding requested documents. The new law also creates a single FOIA request portal through the Office of Management and Budget and enhances the ability of the Office of Government Information Services—run out of the National Archives and Records Administration—to help mediate FOIA disputes.”

Are Your Electronic Records Ready?  Government Executive notes: “On Dec. 31, federal agencies will be taking a huge step forward in creating a modernized system for records management. As part of the Managing Government Records Directive (M-12-18), agencies must submit records schedules for all existing paper and non-electronic records, and be ready to manage all email records in an accessible electronic format.” . . . a recent survey suggests most agencies are ready. Is yours?

OMB’s Upcoming Revisions to Internal Controls Guidance. According to Federal News Radio: “Dave Mader wants to take the government back to the 1980s. . .  Mader, the Office of Management and Budget controller, wants to change the view of internal controls in agencies back to what it was 30-plus years ago. . . . ‘if you go back to the origins of internal controls in the 1980s, it was more about internal controls over a program. . .  We want people in program offices to start understanding the requirements they have under A-123 for internal controls and we see internal controls as a tool you would use to mitigate risk.’ The idea that everyone should understand and consider internal controls is part of OMB’s update to Circular A-123, which includes a new section on enterprise risk management.”

Expectations Rise for USDS & 18F.  According to Federal News Radio: “digital services is moving out of the infancy and toddler stages, and into the teenage years where executive and legislative branch overseers expect more out of these groups.”  It notes that Hill committees are asking GAO to undertake a number of studies to examine the operations of both the US Digital Service at OMB and the 18F digital services shop at the General Services Administration.

VA Health Care Transformation Commission. The Arizona Republic reports:  “A national commission assigned to come up with reforms for the Department of Veterans Affairs is calling for a transformation in health care for veterans, with expanded options for community medical treatment and a new governing board to oversee the nation's largest health-care system.”

Fraud Reduction Act Passes.  FedWeek reports: “The House has joined the Senate in passing S-2133, to require OMB to set guidelines for agencies to establish financial and administrative controls to identify and assess fraud risks.” President Obama has signed the bill and OMB has 90 days to establish guidelines.

Reforming DOD Headquarters.  Federal News Radio reports that testimony before a House committee supports Senate proposed reforms to the 1986 Goldwater Nichols Act that outlines out DOD is organized and operated. Meanwhile, a new GAO report outlines multiple ongoing administrative initiatives to reorganize and streamline DOD and concludes poor data hides whether changes or savings are or are not happening.

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The Business of Government Radio Show.  The management of the federal workforce—including executives—will be a critical factor in the next president’s success. How do we strengthening federal senior leadership, including political appointees and career executives, and enhancing their collaboration? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores this subject with Doug Brook and MaureenHartney authors of Managing the Government’s Executive Talent.

Broadcast Schedule: The show airs Monday at 11 a.m., and Friday at 1 p.m. on Federal News Radio 1500AM WFED.

If you can't wait, though, you can listen to (or download) this week's program and all our previous interviews at businessofgovernment.org.