Acquisition

GSA unveils prices-paid tool for Alliant

The tool shares detailed data on past task orders to help agencies conduct market research and develop better cost estimates.

People

FTC's chief privacy officer heads for the private sector

After 11 years of federal service, Peter Miller has joined a law firm to focus on consumer protections and data policies.

Cybersecurity

Accidental breach is top cyber threat concern

A survey of federal IT managers shows that while insiders pose a bigger danger, cybersecurity funding is targeted at exterior threats.

Digital Government

Federal CTO’s New Mission: Raise the Government’s Tech IQ

Megan Smith is touting the Obama administration’s all-of the-above approach to refreshing its tech workforce, including tapping Silicon Valley alumni to work on short-term projects and retraining existing federal techies.

Digital Government

DHS to Launch Iris and Facial Recognition at the Border

The project is part of a coming overhaul of DHS' biometric system, which currently contains more than 170 million foreigner fingerprints and facial images.

Emerging Tech

Feds Get a How-To Guide for Responding to Social Media Hacks

If you’re a fed whose job involves dealing with your department’s social media accounts, this resource is worth a look.

Digital Government

What Do Americans Hate More: Their Internet Providers or Their Government?

Customer satisfaction with the federal government is declining, according to a new survey.

Modernization

GSA cloud, Marine Corps guidance and a UK cyber deal

News and notes from around the federal IT community.

Digital Government

After Drone Crashes in its Backyard, White House Calls for New Regulations

The president directed federal agencies to release rules for commercial drone use.

People

Chaffetz seeks new tone on Oversight panel, but old disputes remain

The new chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee extends an olive branch to the minority, but keeps subpoena power for himself.

People

'Less RFPs and more APIs'

U.S. CTO Megan Smith said there is no reason government can’t match the private sector in customer service.

Modernization

GSA Spends Over $100 Million for New Cloud Services

Awarded through GSA’s Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies, the contract will be a GSA-wide procurement vehicle,

Cybersecurity

Could this be the year for data-breach legislation?

Widespread support exists for creating a national data-breach reporting standard, but details remain to be ironed out.

Modernization

Microsoft’s Transition to the Cloud Will Be a Drawn-Out Slog

The company is shifting toward a model of selling software as subscription-based services, and away from its “old” business of selling one-time software licenses.

Digital Government

Your Appliances May Be Spying on You

FTC issues privacy and security guidelines to the companies creating the Internet of Things.

Cybersecurity

Fed data at risk in attacks on university computers

DHS is warning that a college's information-filled IT infrastructure can provide access to sensitive federal networks.

Digital Government

USAID plans to up its data game

The U.S. Agency for International Development is seeking outside help building capacity in data analysis and visualization.

People

Satisfaction with fed customer service worst ever

The American Customer Satisfaction Index blames the decline on budget and staff cuts.

Digital Government

VA’s System for Managing IT Projects Comes Under Scrutiny

A new inspector general report finds the system needs some monitoring of its own.