Department of Labor officials state the initiative aims to enhance clarity in medication pricing and encourage financial efficiency.
Michele Sandiford
- The Trump administration is revamping the federal workers’ compensation system. The Department of Labor announced it is broadening the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act Pharmacy Benefit Program to include a wider range of beneficiaries and compensation initiatives. This expansion covers individuals filing claims under the Black Lung Benefits Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Department leadership emphasized that the primary objectives are to increase transparency in drug pricing and drive down costs.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs is intensifying its focus on identifying veterans who may be at risk of suicide. In March, 88% of veterans who utilized VA health services within the last year underwent an annual suicide risk assessment. Approximately 96% of those identified as high-risk were provided with a thorough follow-up assessment and a personalized support strategy. This year, the department recorded over 125,000 new veteran enrollments in VA health care. Notably, more than half of all veteran suicides involve individuals who were not actively receiving VA medical treatment.
- A monitoring system designed to combat sexual abuse within federal correctional facilities is facing obstacles. A recent Government Accountability Office report revealed that while the Bureau of Prisons employs a system intended to prevent abuse proactively, it lacks requirements for auditors to detect ongoing abuse. The Justice Department has committed to reviewing the GAO’s suggestions to find methods for enhancing the auditing process and improving incident response.
- The Trump administration is weighing a new executive order focused on artificial intelligence. White House advisors are examining a directive that would mandate safety and security evaluations for advanced AI models prior to their public release. During a Wednesday morning appearance on Fox Business, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett likened this strategy to the Food and Drug Administration’s process for evaluating pharmaceuticals. This would mark a significant shift from the administration’s previous laissez-faire stance on AI technology. Additionally, it is expected to substantially increase the responsibilities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation.
- The Department of Homeland Security is upgrading the electronic health record systems utilized for individuals in immigration detention. According to a procurement notice, DHS is seeking an integrated EHR platform to support both Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol. The goal is to establish a unified system that maintains a single health record for detainees as they transition between CBP and ICE custody. DHS intends to issue the solicitation for this EHR contract by June 15, with the contract expected to be awarded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.
- The General Services Administration’s effort to negotiate directly with original equipment manufacturers is gaining momentum. GSA has finalized its first OneGov agreement with an OEM, with additional deals anticipated. The administration reports having engaged in discussions with at least 50 other OEMs regarding potential enterprise-wide contracts. Laura Stanton, the acting commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service, noted that OEM contracts represent the second phase of the OneGov strategy. The inaugural direct OEM agreement was established with ID.me, a provider of identity verification services, which is offering discounts of up to 43% off its standard pricing. GSA has also developed an 11-page industry engagement guide for OEMs, outlining a tiered pricing structure and the statutory requirements vendors must satisfy.
- Over 50 Native American-owned small businesses are raising serious concerns regarding the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail the 8(a) program. In a communication to the SBA, the Native American Contractors Association and its members highlighted that the extensive delays in reviewing and approving 8(a) applications are disproportionately impacting Native-owned enterprises. Current data indicates that the SBA has not approved any new entrants into the 8(a) program since August. These businesses are urging the SBA to resume application approvals within the legally mandated 90-day window and to provide updates to applicants regarding expected decision timelines.
- The Environmental Protection Agency is generating less scientific research following recent workforce reductions. Statistics provided by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility indicate that the EPA published 275 peer-reviewed studies in 2025, reflecting a 17% decline from the previous year. Federal workforce data shows that the EPA cut approximately 3,000 positions between fiscal years 2025 and 2026, amounting to roughly 20% of its total staff. The Trump administration’s fiscal 2027 budget proposal seeks to slash EPA funding by over half and eliminate an additional 200 positions.
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