Modernization
'The Internet of Other People’s Things'
During an impassioned National Telecommunications and Information Administration meeting, lawyers and stakeholders slogged away at a drone-flying guide.
Acquisition
GWACs pull in billions on IT orders as fiscal year winds down
NITAAC, SEWP V and other government-wide IT contracting vehicles are doing a booming business as the end of fiscal 2015 looms.
Emerging Tech
Different Inventors with the Same Name? That’s a Problem for the Patent Office
On Thursday, USPTO held a competition to help it find an automatic method for differentiating between multiple inventors with the same name.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon Small Biz Office Didn’t Know About Cyber Training
Even as the Pentagon was imposing data breach regulations on the $55.5 billion sector, the office essentially had other priorities than advocating information security awareness.
Digital Government
Video: Preparing Veterans for the Solar Workforce
This Energy Department initiative provides veterans with training and an introduction to the expanding solar industry.
Modernization
If the Intelligence Community Can Do Cloud, Why Can’t The Rest of Government?
Many agencies today are still using cloud computing similar to 2010, one official says.
Cybersecurity
Cyber problems at HealthCare.gov, cyber sharing at the Pentagon and more
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Digital Government
Government Shutdown? Some Federal IT Systems Would be Unplugged, Websites Go Offline
Federal agencies were ordered to power down nonessential IT systems during the 2013 shutdown.
Digital Government
NIH Wants to License Out a Mobile App to the Private Sector
The app would combine users' location data with their answers to questions about their psychological wellbeing to predict their future mental health.
Digital Government
Drones Armed With High-Energy Lasers May Arrive In 2017
Predator maker looks beyond Hellfire missiles to the weapons of the future.
Digital Government
Energy Department CTO Stepping Down, Joining the Private Sector
Pete Tseronis plans to leave by Nov. 1, 2015.
Modernization
UN Peacekeeping Needs Major Technological Update
For peacekeepers to be effective, they need up-to-date tech at their disposal.
Cybersecurity
White House: No Cyberattack Pact with China, For Now
The Chinese president’s visit to Washington will highlight how far apart the two nations are on cyber issues.
People
Mounting requirements, shrinking staffs plague IGs
Expanded responsibilities under the Data Act are only going to make things tougher for understaffed IG offices, says a new report.
People
Coding boot camps: 'Very empowering, very transformational'
As an alternative or supplement to a computer science degree, coding boot camps can help women get their foot in the door – or kick in the door -- of the tech workforce.
Modernization
EIS RFP might spill into October
GSA says it will set the fees agencies pay to use the telecom contracting vehicle “significantly” lower than originally planned.
Cybersecurity
Federal cybersecurity: Not as bad as you might think
Despite a spate of major breaches, turns out the federal government has relatively good cybersecurity, at least according to a new study from BitSight Technologies.
Cybersecurity
Tax Collectors Want 'Selfies' to Prove You Are Who You Say You Are
States receive federal funds to verify the smartphone self-portraits of citizens, as a means of preventing refund fraud.
Digital Government
Agencies Harnessing Data to Make Your Visit to a Government Office More Bearable
Feedback USA is a system of kiosks that allow citizens to rate their experience visiting field offices and other agency locations.
Digital Government