A new bill in the House could significantly impact federal employees who telework at least one day a week. Under the Federal Employee Return to Work Act, employees who telework even part-time would lose their locality pay, which is a pay adjustment based on the cost of living in their geographic area. Instead of receiving locality pay tied to their actual region, these employees would be given the “Rest of U.S.” locality pay, regardless of whether they live in a high-cost area. This move is part of a broader push to encourage federal workers to return to the office more consistently. While the bill targets telework, it could also impact employee morale, especially in regions with a higher cost of living, where locality pay has been a critical component of federal compensation.
Layoffs: ICON
Icon, the Austin-based 3D-printing construction technology company, is making a tough decision to lay off 114 employees as part of a company realignment. The layoffs, which will take effect on March 8, are part of Icon’s strategy to refocus its efforts on the development of its new robotic printing system, Phoenix. This move comes as the company seeks to streamline its team in order to accelerate the development of Phoenix, a cutting-edge 3D printer capable of constructing homes with lower costs and greater design flexibility. Icon, which has made a name for itself by printing homes faster and more sustainably than traditional methods, is also continuing to work on various projects, including those within the Department of Defense and a variety of residential and hospitality structures. While the layoffs are a difficult step, the company is committed to its long-term mission of using intelligent machines to build the future, with a more streamlined team driving innovation in construction technology.
Hiring: NAVFAC
NAVFAC Northwest is taking a proactive approach to attracting top talent with a series of comprehensive workshops designed to help job seekers navigate the federal hiring process. Led by talent acquisition specialist Rodolfo “Rudy” Muriel, these workshops equip participants with the tools to succeed, from crafting competitive resumes using USAJobs’ Resume Builder to identifying transferable skills through onetonline.org. Muriel’s sessions, tailored to veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members, have been instrumental in helping candidates understand key details in federal job announcements and avoid early disqualification. Beyond workshops, Muriel is actively recruiting through job fairs, direct hire events, and outreach efforts to demystify the complex federal hiring system. His commitment to streamlining the process and supporting job seekers aligns with the Navy’s “Get Real, Get Better” initiative, ultimately ensuring NAVFAC Northwest attracts the skilled workforce needed to maintain mission-ready installations.
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Opportunity to Watch
CCC has secured a $14 million contract with the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to provide the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) with QinetiQ’s Vindicator Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The Vindicator, designed to simulate missile and aircraft threats, is a vital tool for testing and evaluating air-defense systems. Built to withstand challenging conditions, the Vindicator enhances military readiness by offering a durable and adaptable solution for rigorous training scenarios. Through this contract, CCC continues to support Canadian businesses like QinetiQ in supplying advanced defense technologies to the U.S. DoD, with QinetiQ’s Vindicator standing as a prime example of Canadian engineering excellence. This partnership highlights the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and Canada, strengthening defense capabilities and fostering innovation in military technology.
