Acquisition

GSA IG concerned about transactional data plan

The central concern is that the changes could affect pricing protections that can't be replaced by the benefits of transactional data.

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.

Digital Government

5 ways to turn big data into better government

USDS's Mina Hsiang says big data offers simple solutions to the vast majority of customer complaints.

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?

Digital Government

FAA partners with 3 companies to test real-world UAS uses

Agency also unveils the B4UFLY app, which is designed to help novice users fly their drones safely and legally.

Cybersecurity

Guard, Reserve are X factors in cyber plans

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter wants the National Guard and Reserve to play a crucial role in building out the Pentagon's cyber force.

Digital Government

6 questions to ask before any big data migration

Resist the pressure to jump right in, and make sure there is clarity on these fundamental goals and scope.

Cybersecurity

UC Berkeley Students Swept Up in Administrative Office Hack

Education // Financial Services // California, United States

Cybersecurity

NIST director, Army training and connecting the grid

News and notes from around the federal IT community.

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

SpaceX’s Mission Today Tested if it Can Protect Astronauts on its Spaceship

SpaceX has to prove it can get astronauts away from its rocket as fast as possible in the event of an emergency.

Emerging Tech

CNN and FAA Team Up to Test Drones

The FAA is considering the technology that Amazon would use to deliver packages remotely.

People

Congress weighs in on DHS social media outreach

A House-passed bill approved May 6 by a Senate panel would expand the scope of Homeland Security's Social Media Working Group.

Digital Government

Senators look for answers on FOIA reform, Clinton emails

Legislation can accomplish only so much when up against "an instinct of secrecy," says Sen. Chuck Grassley.

Digital Government

OPM Gives Agencies Permission to Fast-Track Hiring of Digital Teams

Agencies will now have greater latitude to hire digital services experts on a temporary basis.

Cybersecurity

Navy's new cyber strategy prioritizes threats

U.S. Fleet Cyber Command's five-year plan aims to avoid a repeat of the 2013 Iranian hack of the Navy Marine Corps Intranet.

People

OPM carves out broad hiring exception for digital services

The move comes as OMB is pushing agencies to create in-house digital services teams akin to GSA's 18F and its own U.S. Digital Service.

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.