Cybersecurity

FERC Chairman Wants to Update Cybersecurity Requirements

Discussion of potential changes centered on a need for software transparency and independent supply-chain assessments.

Acquisition

Are best-in-class contracts on the downswing?

The question was one of the main focuses among acquisition experts at the Professional Services Council federal market forecast conference.

Acquisition

Trade groups push for passage of software licensing transparency bill

A set of spending hawks and tech trade groups are urging congressional action on the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act to help improve visibility into the federal government's software spend. 

Emerging Tech

Finalized 2023 NDAA Retains Many Space Tech Provisions

Orbital debris, satellites and space technology research remain front and center in the finalized version of the defense spending bill.

Policy

Senate passed bill to 'stop the government speak' in agency documents

The proposal would expand and update an existing law on plain language requirements for agencies.

Cybersecurity

China's Reported Manipulation of Twitter Draws Lawmaker Questions

Several Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee sent a letter to Twitter CEO Elon Musk expressing national security concerns about reports that Beijing launched an information suppression campaign to hide news of mass public protests.

Digital Government

Inspector General Reforms Could Be on the Horizon 

The negotiated version of the National Defense Authorization Act contains language to protect IGs from political interference and help them do their jobs better. 

Digital Government

Cyber, Speed, and UFOs: A Tour of Tech Provisions in the 2023 NDAA

The defense policy bill also prods the intelligence community to follow other defense agencies’ emerging-tech efforts.

Emerging Tech

FinCEN to Treat Digital Asset Regulation as a 'Key Priority,' Director Says

As digital currencies and assets continue to go unregulated, federal law enforcement is actively engaged in developing guidance to prevent financial crime.

Policy

Key Cyber and Tech Provisions Included—and Excluded—from the Final NDAA

This year, provisions that were ultimately left out of the massive annual Defense authorization bill—despite in some cases bipartisan agreement across both Congressional chambers—got the most attention.

Policy

Gillibrand subs military-services style cyber academy idea for DOD scholarship program in NDAA

The new plan proposed by the New York senator would offer cyber scholarships to students at colleges and universities, followed by DOD service.  

Emerging Tech

Defense Policy Bill Features FedRAMP Authorization Act

Cybersecurity experts tell FCW that ‘authorizing FedRAMP is the first step to fully and robustly resourcing the program’ after it was established in 2011

Artificial Intelligence

US Export Controls 'in Urgent Need' of a Tech Upgrade, Experts Say

For the cost of “a helicopter or two,” the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security can drastically improve the technology it uses to manage the enforcement of export controls. 

Acquisition

Defense policy bill features FedRAMP Authorization Act

Cybersecurity experts tell FCW that ‘authorizing FedRAMP is the first step to fully and robustly resourcing the program’ after it was established in 2011

Digital Government

Google Cloud Greenlit To Handle Sensitive Data Ahead Of Contract Reveal

The announcement comes just days ahead of the Pentagon’s expected reveal of contract winners for its $9 billion tactical cloud capability.

Digital Government

DHS to issue identity tech “challenge” for industry

The testing effort for identity validation tools, led by the Department of Homeland Security with other agencies, is meant to push for the development of better tech and to set a performance baseline for its operation.

Emerging Tech

NASA Test New Robotic Arm System Functional in Minus 280 Degrees Fahrenheit

The new technology will allow it to operate without a heat source in “extreme cryogenic environments.”