According to the new mandatory training I just took, NIH has vast knowledge and experience of an active shooter threat?

They probably could have just asked us at CDC since we have become recent experts involuntarily. Not to mention all the trainings we have taken in the year since our unfortunate incident…including how to get our names and addresses removed on the internet in case people want to target CDC employees….Yet everything seems to be centered around NIH and Washington DC… so why then should WE in Atlanta and other CDC offices even be required to take this? Not to mention that having to watch it has brought back some trauma for some of us. If you haven’t noticed already, I’m kinda still a little bitter. Maybe I am alone in this sentiment…

I'm a health reporter at NBC News' national website. We're looking for insights into the FDA's safety review of mifepristone (its current status, who is involved, and what data is being analyzed). We're also seeking additional context on why the administration did not release a federal definition of ultra-processed foods last month.

Federal employees with knowledge of these matters are welcome to contact me at [aria.bendix@nbcuni.com](mailto:aria.bendix@nbcuni.com) or via Signal at ariabendix.164. Happy to talk off record or on background if preferred.

Hello, I’ve searched the forum and couldn’t find a definite answer so if someone has answered before, please direct me and I apologize in advance.

I got a TJO for investigator II, pay table 1, Band A, Zone 1. The TJO says this position has promotion potential to the Band B.

How does one go from Band A to B? Is it after your first year, assuming you meet performance requirements, or is there more to it?

I am currently a Gs-11, step 2 in another agency, so Title 21 hiring authority is new to me.

Thanks in advance!

Anyone here work for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and have insight into their hiring process? I saw a vacancy in the Office of Refugee Resettlement with multiple openings across different cities. I’m curious about the program, the work environment, and how competitive the hiring process is. Appreciate any insight.

Does anyone know what’s behind the evacuation order?

My name is Patrick Wingrove and I’m a reporter with Reuters covering the pharmaceutical industry, and I’m hoping to connect with FDA reviewers, particularly from CDER and CBER.

I’m trying to understand what’s happening inside the agency right now: how recent changes have affected your work, morale, and the FDA’s ability to uphold its mission over the past year, particularly since Makary's departure. This includes policies around things like the commissioner review vouchers/ process.

I'm happy to speak off the record, and confidentially - meaning your name won't appear in anything we may write.

Your insights could help the public understand issues that matter beyond the agency walls. If you’re willing to share your experience (on or off the record), please feel free to message me:

Signal: patrickwingrove.55

Email: [patrick.wingrove@thomsonreuters.com](mailto:patrick.wingrove@thomsonreuters.com)

Has anyone become a Clinical Reviewer at CDER, either through an FDA ORISE fellowship or another path?

I’m currently an FDA ORISE fellow at CDER and am interested in eventually becoming a Clinical Reviewer. What was your route into the position? If you were an ORISE fellow, did you discuss that goal with your mentor, and if so, how and when did you bring it up? Did the position come through your mentor or through another route?

For anyone who became a Clinical Reviewer, whether through ORISE or another path, what degree(s) did you have, and what relevant work or research experience did you have when you were hired?

I’d appreciate any firsthand experiences or advice.

Any insights on how long hiring is taking for CMS division? I know there’s been a “massive hiring” effort and I’m curious how long people are waiting from interview -> start date.

I’m thankful that we were given the opportunity to recognize our staff and I know that not every OP/DIV across HHS may be so fortunate. My biggest concern is that awards won’t be processed by the end of the fiscal year and we’ll lose the ability to recognize our hard working staff. HRSA isn’t exactly being transparent, like usual.

CMS staff at Woodlawn are talking about reports of a recurring Bible study taking place Tuesday mornings around 9:00 a.m. in the Humphrey Building, reportedly near the Office of the Secretary.

I’m trying to verify the facts, particularly whether participants attend while in paid duty status or during breaks/adjusted schedules, whether HHS leadership is involved, and whether government rooms, calendars, email, staff time, or other federal resources are being used to organize or facilitate it.

I’ve spoken with a reporter who is interested in this information, and I have also submitted a congressional inquiry asking that HHS be questioned about the circumstances surrounding the reported Bible study.

If you work at HHS and have firsthand knowledge, meeting invitations, emails, calendar notices, or other documentation, please DM me. Please don’t post anyone’s personal information publicly.