A bipartisan effort led by Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) aims to extend skills-based hiring to federal contractors with the introduction of the ACCESS Act. This proposed legislation seeks to eliminate college degree requirements for jobs within the federal contracting sector, focusing instead on relevant skills and experience.
The ACCESS Act would require the Office of Management and Budget to provide guidance to agencies for adopting the new requirements within 180 days of enactment. By valuing talent over credentials, the bill seeks to open opportunities for a diverse workforce and address persistent mission-critical skills gaps across federal programs.
Layoffs: L3Harris
Melbourne-based defense and aerospace firm L3Harris Technologies is implementing layoffs as part of its cost-cutting initiative, LHX NeXt, aiming to save more than $1 billion over three years. The company declined to specify how many employees are affected by the staff cuts. The move follows the company’s recent acquisitions and divestments, with L3Harris focusing on operational efficiency and its commitment to deliver value to customers and shareholders. While L3Harris projects revenue growth in 2024, local officials express concern about the impact of the layoffs on the community and workforce.
Hiring: Offutt AFB
Offutt team members from the 55th Force Support Squadron hosted a Career Showcase on April 2, introducing the Omaha community to civilian career opportunities on base. The event aimed to inform local hiring counselors, high school and college representatives, and chambers of commerce about the range of jobs available, including roles with benefits such as free childcare for employees at the base’s Child Development Centers.
Joseph Scriven, force support programs specialist, hopes the showcase will become an annual event to dispel misconceptions about federal employment and help connect potential candidates with exciting opportunities at Offutt Air Force Base. Attendees appreciated the eye-opening experience and the chance to learn about careers and benefits offered by the base.
Cleared Employer at Work: CISA
Happy Emergency Communications Month! Join CISA’s emergency communications and help us be Resilient Together.
Opportunity to Watch
HumanX, a new forum for leaders in AI, plans to host its inaugural conference set for March 2025. The event aims to bring together C-suite leaders, industry decision-makers, policymakers, founders, and AI practitioners to explore advancements and challenges in AI. HumanX, backed by over $6 million in funding from top venture partners, will offer data-driven advisory services, policy advocacy, and an annual conference to bridge the gap between AI innovation and practical application. Co-founders Stefan Weitz and Jonathan Weiner lead the initiative with a vision to make AI accessible and beneficial to organizations worldwide. With more than 50 confirmed speakers, HumanX has the potential to be a significant event in the AI space.
Welcome to the ClearanceJobs weekly hiring news roundup. Please email hiring news tips and NatSec opportunities to editor@clearancejobs.com.
