Emerging Tech
15 Technologies NASA Is Funding to Make Science Fiction a Reality
Each year, the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program awards funding to a set of research projects on the bleeding edge of technology.
Digital Government
Does the Patriot Act Justify NSA Surveillance? Law in Uncharted Territory as Deadlines Approaches
Will the Patriot Act mean something different if lawmakers renew it now that they know the full extent of NSA's spying?
Ideas
4 Things to Consider when Revamping Agency Processes
As agencies continue to balance budget constraints with increasing mission scope, continued optimization of business processes may prove a fruitful path.
Cybersecurity
Federal Employee Retirement Plan Struggles with Cyber Conflict of Interest
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board refuses to let auditors probe until satisfied that FISMA directives will not fracture the Chinese wall between OMB and the board.
Cybersecurity
Third-Party Software Was Entry Point for Background-Check System Hack
Intruders piggybacked on a vulnerability in an enterprise resource planning application.
Emerging Tech
Scientists Measure Nepal Earthquake by Bouncing Radar Beams off Kathmandu From Space
The ground has shifted beneath Nepal’s feet, and space agencies around the globe are rushing to measure it.
Ideas
DATA Act at Year 1: In Need of a Growth Hormone
For the first time, the DATA Act has made it someone's job to define, and later enforce, common standards that will allow users to match and search across financial, budget and award reports.
Emerging Tech
Many Projects in Pentagon’s Emerging Tech Program Still Stuck in Development
Only about half of projects GAO examined had been transitioned to a government acquisition program, a military user, a prime contractor or eventually commercialized.
Digital Government
White House Dispatches Digital Squad to Salvage Electronic Immigration System
The Obama administration has dispatched the U.S. Digital Service to study deep-seated problems and experiment with new development techniques for the new system.
Emerging Tech
Can Analytics Save US Soldiers from Suicide?
The Army is in the midst of a five-year effort that aims to identify factors that protect or put at risk a soldier’s mental health.
Modernization
Police Can Track Your Cellphone Without a Warrant -- For Now
Two federal appeals courts have upheld warrantless cellphone tracking. Will the Supreme Court step in?
Ideas
Agency CIOs Need to Be Aware of the Dangers of Consumer Tech
Agency CIOs must be cautious when procuring IT products developed for consumers.
Digital Government
Federal Appeals Court Rules NSA Spying Illegal
The phone data collection program “exceeds the scope of what Congress has authorized," a judge ruled Thursday.
Emerging Tech
Homeland Security Committee Considers Turning Nation’s Cellphones into Walkie-Talkies During Emergencies
In the event of a disaster, how does the government communicate with a population of cord cutters when cellphone towers are down?
Emerging Tech
Committee Approves Plans for DHS Social Media Group
The group would assess the best ways to use social media before, during and after terrorist attacks or other emergencies.
Emerging Tech
CNN and FAA Team Up to Test Drones
The FAA is considering the technology that Amazon would use to deliver packages remotely.
Emerging Tech
By Infusing Government Services with Tech, Sweden Aims to Bolster Social Welfare and Democracy
Some of the most popular government apps are those that let citizens manage and monitor their personal benefits, such as Social Security, parental leave and sick days.
Digital Government
Lessons Learned from Australia's Chief Technology Officer
Australian government’s chief technology officer, John Sheridan, is a big proponent of taking small steps to achieve large, federal IT service goals.
Cybersecurity
Republicans May Offer Short-Term Extension of Patriot Act Surveillance
A standoff over overhauling the NSA’s surveillance authorities is getting wrapped up in a broader Senate fight about Iran, highway funding and an international trade deal.
Ideas