The President's signing of the $2 trillion stimulus package -- in order to improve the federal government's immediate technological response to the COVID-19 outbreak -- and provide resources for the federal workforce and contractors.
The legislation gives agencies the option to modify terms and conditions of existing contracts and reimburse contractors for paid and sick leave during the crisis.
The Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management have directed agencies to "be flexible" and increase telework or remote work options for contractors.
Government agencies have also been granted the flexibility to offer contractors reimbursement for paid and sick leave caused by an inability to access their worksite or telework due to their job duties,
The bill is said to address concerns expressed by unions over the shortages of supplies, including hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes, and general cleanliness of federal buildings.
The legislation also includes $275 million for coronavirus prevention in buildings managed by the General Services Administration, for deep cleaning, enhanced screening at entrances and space management issues.
In addition, the bill includes $178 million for the Department of Homeland Security to purchase personal protective equipment for frontline employees, including Customs personnel at ports of entry. The bill further provides the IRS $250 million to cover costs of extending the tax filing season.
Additionally, the OPM will receive $12 million to expand telework, digitizing the paper-based retirement application and case management processes. Meanwhile, the Defense Department—with a workforce preparing to telework for weeks or months, if necessary—would get $300 million to purchase technology to increase its bandwidth.
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