7 Essential Mobile Apps for Federal Employees

OPM Alert

“OPM Alert” is the official app of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which provides access to real-time updates on the operating status for Federal offices in the DC Metropolitan Area. It also allows you to review OPM’s Dismissal, Closure, and Telework procedures.

• Cost: Free
• Sponsored By: US Office of Personnel Management
• Available on: iOS App Store, Google Play, Blackberry App World
• Tip: Visit the settings section of the app to set up which notifications you’d like to receive. You may consider disabling notifications for when the government is open, and only being notified for delays or closures.

USDA FoodKeeper

The “FoodKeeper” app aims to help consumers strategically consume their food. This app provides preparation tips (such as the proper temperature to cook a certain dish), information on when food items are at their peak quality, and even has notifications for when certain food items have been recalled. This program aims to reduce food waste and help consumers spend less on consumable goods that they end up throwing away.

• Cost: Free
• Sponsored By: US Department of Agriculture
• Available on: iOS App Store, Google Play
• Tip: Use the “heart” option to favorite your family’s favorite food groups, and use the “Add to Calendar” option to set up reminders to use your food before it’s too late.

Smart Traveler

“Smart Traveler” is the official app of the State Department, helping U.S. travelers locate frequently updated and official country information, travel alerts and warnings, U.S. embassy locations, and more. This app categorizes countries based on the level of danger U.S. travelers may be at risk for, and even allows users to create personal itineraries with maps and organized information.

• Cost: Free
• Sponsored By: US Department of State
• Available on: iOS App Store, Google Play
• Tip: Navigate to your destination country and click on the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” tab to see a variety of information specific to that location, including; mobility restrictions and tips, attitudes toward members of the LGBTQIA+ community, laws around photography, and more.

FEMA App

The FEMA App is full of resources to help keep you safe before, during and after disasters. With weather alerts from the U.S. National Weather Service and comprehensive information on emergency kits, local shelters, and more, this app is a must-have for those in areas with often unpredictable weather.

• Cost: Free
• Sponsored By: US Department of Homeland Security
• Available on: iOS App Store, Google Play
• Tip: Track extreme weather for all of your loved ones by setting up real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.

MyTSA

The “MyTSA” app gives airline passengers access to frequently asked airport security information and helps them quickly locate information related to their flight, airport, checkpoints, and carry-on rules.

• Cost: Free
• Sponsored By: US Transportation Security Administration
• Available on: iOS App Store, Google Play
• Tip: Use the app’s intelligent search function on their “Can I Bring?” section to find carry-on regulations around any item(s) you’re unsure of.

CDC App

The CDC App provides up-to-date health information with news, blogs, and reports from the CDC. Learn information on Infectious Diseases, Chronic Illnesses, and more, and search their web content to locate reliable information on a variety of health-related topics.

• Cost: Free
• Sponsored By: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Available on: iOS App Store, Google Play
• Tip: Sign up for notifications about recalls and health notices in your state.

USPS App

The USPS Mobile® app is a quick and easy tool for any USPS customer looking for information related to shipping and deliveries. Using this app, you can track your packages, digitally preview incoming mail, and more.

• Cost: Free
• Sponsored By: United States Postal Service
• Available on: iOS App Store, Google Play
• Tip: Check shipping prices, buy stamps, and even hold your mail using this convenient app.

When It Comes to Apps, Consider the Following

While the private sector offers several additional apps catered specifically to Civilian Federal Employees, warnings have been issued about the security of applications not endorsed directly by the Federal government. Recently, agencies were warning against apps designed to help Feds track TSP Fund contributions, as users would input TSP credentials and thus incur the risk of their data being unsecured, or accessed without their authorization. Conduct your own research on new apps you download, especially if you’re asked to input PII (Personally Identifiable Information).