Modernization
NS2020 get-together, PortfolioStat data goes public, DHS' Silicon Valley outpost and more
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Cybersecurity
DHS to Open Up Shop in Silicon Valley
The Department of Homeland Security is opening a branch in Google's territory.
Emerging Tech
Tech Giants Team Up to Unleash NOAA’s Data
NOAA will partner with major cloud computing providers to explore ways the agency might better unleash its vast environmental data stores for the public good.
Digital Government
The Plan for Avoiding 2020 Census Tech Flubs? Innovate But Don’t Invent
Census takers could be using commercially-available smartphones and tablets to administer the survey in 2020.
Cybersecurity
DOJ official warns of Sony repeat
John Carlin, assistant attorney general for national security, warns that more destructive cyberattacks are likely on the horizon.
Emerging Tech
Two Shape-Shifting Robots Now Stranded for Eternity Inside Fukushima’s Radioactive Ruins
The robots were sent into the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear reactor to assess the damage.
Cybersecurity
Hello Barbie, NSA Win Big in Germany’s 'Big Brother' Awards for Privacy Abuses
The Big Brother Awards gives “prizes” to organizations and individuals around the world making especially egregious use of Germans’ private personal data.
People
Could the 2020 census be another HealthCare.gov?
While it's too early to yell boondoggle, GAO says any delays and "we very well could have another HealthCare.gov on our hands."
Digital Government
Google Joins the Search for the Loch Ness Monster
Now anyone with an Internet connection can search for Nessie using Street View imaging of murky Scottish waters.
People
'The most unpopular person in the Pentagon'
DCMO nominee Peter Levine makes his case to be the one to go into "other people's rice bowls and tell them they're not doing it right."
Digital Government
Few Americans Think Federal Open Data Programs Are Effective
Only 5 percent believe the federal government shares data effectively, according to a new survey from Pew.
Acquisition
GSA looks for help in category management
A Federal Acquisition Service RFI seeks help in both day-to-day implementation and changing the culture.
Digital Government
Does the Government Need to Rethink Its Weed Ban to Get Cyber Talent?
An executive order dating to the Reagan administration outright bans federal employees from toking up -- even off duty.
Digital Government
FCC unveils prototype website redesign
The new FCC site, with enhanced data functionality and a better search engine, is expected to launch by Sept. 30.
Cybersecurity
Arab Hackers Suspected of Penetrating Israeli Military Network
Government (Foreign) // Israel
Digital Government
Feds Heighten Scrutiny of TSA Screeners and Aviation Staff to Thwart Insider Threat
The prospective measures stem from a report the Department of Homeland Security requested after a former baggage handler last December allegedly helped smuggle loaded guns aboard a plane bound for New York City.
Digital Government
18F’s Hillary Hartley on Redesigning Government Services: Put the People First
As deputy executive director of GSA’s digital services team, Hillary Hartley’s job is to put customers at the forefront of any technology project.
Digital Government
HealthCare.gov Still Gets Poor Marks for Customer Experience
The U.S. Postal Service and the National Parks Service get highest grades in government.
Cybersecurity
OPM widens online degree program, TSA tightens up, Sandia signs deal and more
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Modernization