FCW Insider: March 5
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
OMB orders agencies to stop enforcing Trump's diversity training purge
A recent OMB memo tells agencies to remove contracting clauses related to Trump's diversity training executive order.
Under new law, NIST looks to map out vulnerability disclosure policies for government
Lawmakers in December tasked NIST with to developing processes that would ensure software vulnerability reports flow to the appropriate government offices and the issues are promptly fixed.
No new OMB pick yet, White House says
In her daily briefing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that Shalanda Young could serve as budget director on an acting basis if confirmed as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Republicans slam Biden's defense policy pick for past tweets
Colin Kahl, the Biden administration's pick to be the undersecretary of defense for policy, talked cyber and defense while dodging critiques on past social media posts.
Quick Hits
*** House Republicans are urging President Joe Biden to increase defense spending at least 3% in the upcoming budget proposal to better compete with China and fund modernization efforts in cyber and nuclear capabilities. "We urge you to reject demands from many on the left to cut or freeze defense spending at current levels," six Republican leaders from the House Armed Services Committee wrote Biden in a letter dated March 4.
*** A bipartisan group of senators is introducing legislation designed to harness the combined strength of democratic countries to compete in technology development with China. The Democracy Technology Partnership Act, which counts Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) among its sponsors, would set up an office at the Department of State charged with fostering international cooperation on technology research and development and export control.
*** The Professional Services Council named Stephanie Kostro executive vice president for policy. Kostro joins PSC from lobbying firm O'Brien, Gentry & Scott and has public sector executive and legislative branch experience. Read more in Washington Technology.