One of the final directives covers “executive core qualifications” for entry into the SES. Image: Maxx-Studio/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe Biden administration in its waning days issued a series of orders and OMB directives that, while mostly routine, now are on the Trump administration’s plate to review and potentially change or cancel. They include:
* An update to the “executive core qualifications” for entry into the SES set to become effective for hires beginning July 1, including adding a need for competencies in systems thinking, interpersonal skills, building workplace culture, data literacy and strategic communication.
* An executive order on strengthening federal agency cybersecurity focused on improving accountability for software and cloud service providers, strengthening the security of federal communications and identity management systems, and promoting the use of emerging technologies.
* OMB memo M-25-04, containing reporting guidance and deadlines to agencies on their actions under requirements of the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, including on adoption of cloud services, increasing the maturity of their Zero Trust posture, enhancing the security of the software supply chain, improving incident response, and more.
* OMB memo M-25-05, providing guidance on public access to open government data assets under the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act and the OPEN Government Data Act.
* OMB memo M-25-06, reauthorizing the Chief Data Officers Council—whose authorization expired in December—with the same membership but with a requirement to submit to OMB a new implementation plan for its work.
* OMB memo M-25-07, providing guidance to agencies on why and how they should broaden their public participation and community engagement under laws and executive directives “that encourage, authorize, and, in many cases, require agencies to improve how they receive direct feedback from the public.”
As one of his first actions, Trump already has overturned another late Biden order, allowing agencies to non-competitively hire into the competitive service persons who completed certain service under the AmeriCorps program.
Large Share of Federal Workforce about to Experience a Payless Pay Period
OPM Details Coverage Changes, Plan Dropouts for FEHB/PSHB in 2026
OMB Says Federal Workforce RIFs are Starting as Shutdown Drags On
Financial Impact of Shutdown Starts to Hit Home; WH Threatens No Back Pay
Surge of Retirement Applications Is in the Pipeline, Says OPM
See also,
TSP Takes Step toward Upcoming In-Plan Roth Conversions
5 Steps to Protect Your Federal Job During the Shutdown
Over 30K TSP Accounts Have Crossed the Million Mark in 2025
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire
