GovConJudicata Weekly Debrief (6/14–18)
This week's Weekly Debrief covers the Juneteenth federal holiday, federal data strategy, GSA STARS III awards, Army modernization, and "BRAC for VA."
White House
GovExec – Most Federal Employees Will Receive Friday Off for Juneteenth
"The Office of Personnel Management announced Thursday morning that “most” federal employees will get a day off Friday to observe the new Juneteenth federal holiday."
WTOP – Federal government, Md., DC announce closures for Juneteenth
"D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan both announced Thursday that all state and city government agencies and offices will be closed Friday in honor of Juneteenth on Saturday."
Data
NextGov – Feds Offer Tips to Better Leverage Agency Data
"Incentivized by the Federal Data Strategy 2021 Action Plan and laws, like the 2019 Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, federal agencies are looking to make better use of their data."
GSA
FedScoop – GSA makes 426 awards on $50B STARS III contract with more to come
"The General Services Administration made awards to 426 small businesses in an effort to provide agencies with more emerging technology options, completing the first phase of its $50 billion 8(a) STARS III contract Thursday."
Defense
FCW – Army modernization under scrutiny amid planned budget cuts
"Lawmakers are worried the Army's modernization efforts could be undermined by budget cuts while questioning whether the service can meet ambitious priorities like updating its tactical communications network. Overall, the Army is seeking $173 billion for fiscal 2022 – a dip of $3.6 billion from 2021 enacted levels."
Veterans
Military Times – Will ‘BRAC for VA’ lead to veterans hospital closures or building more clinics?
"The Defense Department’s past base closure rounds have proven complicated and contentious for lawmakers, especially in communities that lost military bases and the economic benefits that come with them. "Now, federal officials are about to see if a BRAC for the Department of Veterans Affairs will prove just as controversial."
. . .
