A PLA sets the terms and conditions for work on a specific federally funded construction contract — and they've been hotly contested. Veterans Health Administration leaders have increased staffing levels by about 2% so far this fiscal year. The Department of the Interior reported the lowest satisfaction rating, while the Department of Housing and Urban Development registered the highest. The measure builds on guidance from the Trump administration, which urged agencies to meet employment needs through non-traditional methods. A lack of consistent and enforced checks on eligibility have left the program vulnerable, GAO said. Starting a new role in the middle of a president’s term can be particularly tough for new appointees. This advice can help. The goal is for labor advisers to help agencies avoid employment violations. Surge hiring has been a way for agencies to streamline their efforts and get roles filled quickly. The goal is to alleviate administrative burdens on agencies that would otherwise be subject to difficulties to attracting talent for temporary projects. Housing stipends for firefighters would also incentivize the job, but agencies would have to request that authority from Congress before offering them. Load More