Digital Government
Hardware still hindering State visa process
After a June 9 hardware failure ground the State Department's process for issuing visas overseas to a near halt, two-thirds of the department's posts are now back online and issuing visas.
People
A guide to creating a culture of performance
A new report from the Partnership for Public Service aims to chart a path toward creating a culture of performance improvement for federal agencies.
People
Can a one-person data shop make a difference?
Federal Reserve CDO Micheline Casey says doing data management on the cheap is a recipe for disaster.
Digital Government
OPM head touts cyber revamp, mum on who’s to blame for breach
Appearing before a Senate committee was a peaceful affair for OPM Director Katherine Archuleta compared to the tongue-lashing she got in the House last week, but she still faced tough questions – and couldn't answer all of them.
Emerging Tech
The Internet of Things You Don’t Really Need
Smart devices turn every industry into the computer industry, and dupe consumers into thinking their lives are better for it in the process.
Emerging Tech
Life-Saving 'Undo Send' Feature Now Official Part of Gmail
One of the most life-saving software tweaks ever invented.
Emerging Tech
NIST Updates Specs for Mobile PIV Card Authentication
The new specifications could let employees keep their fingerprint data on the PIV card, among other functions.
Digital Government
New NGA strategy touts automation, commercial capabilities
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director Robert Cardillo says geospatial intelligence is ripe for collaboration between industry and government.
Acquisition
GSA, SEWP, NITAAC collaborate on computer needs
Acquisition managers surveyed users at 26 federal agencies about what kinds of laptops and desktops are most commonly used, and used the input to set baseline configurations.
Digital Government
One Week Left to Submit Bold Awards Nominations!
Know any innovative federal employees disrupting the status quo? June 30 is the deadline to submit nominations for the Bold Awards.
Cybersecurity
Signs of OPM Hack at Another Federal Agency Turn Out to Be Legitimate Files (UPDATED)
The agency detected unauthorized activity on three desktops after the big breach came to light this spring.
Modernization
Feds Urged to Investigate Uber’s Plan to Track Users
Privacy group wants FTC to step in to block changes to Uber’s privacy policy.
Emerging Tech
Robots in Japan Now Have Emotions
Pepper, the “emotional robot,” sold out within a minute of going on sale.
Cybersecurity
OPM Database Storing 4 Billion Employee Health Records Needs Security Upgrades
A “data warehouse” of federal employees’ health and prescription drug claims maintained by the agency’s Office of the Inspector General contains 4 billion records.
People
Hires at USDA and AT&L, and drone delivery arrives
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
People
Grassley unsatisfied with DOD response to ex-comptroller case
Sen. Charles Grassley and the Defense Department have traded letters over the alleged mistreatment of former Defense Information Systems Agency Comptroller Jimaye Sones.
Cybersecurity
Unions play watchdog – and roadblock? – roles in OPM disaster
Federal labor unions are holding OPM accountable and fighting for workers after breaches exposed personal data – but did union bargaining help leave government systems vulnerable in the first place?
Digital Government
Meadows loses Gov Ops gavel
A key House subcommittee with broad oversight of government management will be getting a new chairman.
Emerging Tech