Modernization
Secret Service seeks commercial portal to access law enforcement networks
Agencies throughout government are shifting away from custom systems.
Acquisition
Networx: A gauge of its flexibility
After aiding in an agency transition to Networx, consultant Cedric Sims takes stock of the contract's progress so far.
Acquisition
Contract considerations to include treatment of other companies
The Obama administration wants procurement officials to consider how companies treat their business partners as a factor in making contract decisions.
Emerging Tech
Congressman Darrell Issa's call to the Internet's right side
The House member makes the case that a conservative approach is the best hope for keeping the Internet open.
People
GAO can't solve the 'who's cheaper' debate
So who makes more, feds or private-sector workers? What's the better deal, contracting work or using federal employees? GAO says it doesn't know either. Why are these questions so challenging?
Cybersecurity
Senators using crime stories to push cybersecurity bill
Lawmakers latch onto the worst-case scenarios to try to sell legislation.
Cybersecurity
‘AC/DC virus’ attacks Iranian nuke plant; DHS issues alert to U.S. industry
Cyberattack triggers the 1990 hit ‘Thunderstruck’ as it cripples computers.
Digital Government
Romney promises VA revamp
The presumptive Republican nominee for president has made reform of the Department of Veterans Affairs part of his campaign.
People
Why simple language is a complex challenge
Even with a law to inspire it, getting agencies to write in plain language is tough, says Annetta Cheek of the Center for Plain Language.
Digital Government
DHS taps big data to ferret out phony schools peddling student visas
Bogus institutions sell immigration papers under the guise of collecting tuition and fees.
Modernization
Who wants a cell plan with unlimited texting? VA does.
Agency’s national mobile contract likely would be worth millions a month.
Digital Government
Report: Russia stopped Syria from gassing rebels
Bashar al-Assad's regime came close to using chemical weapons two weeks ago.
Digital Government
FDA seeks data mining tool to track adverse drug reactions
Agencies are increasingly turning to data mining for research.
Digital Government
The wrong lesson for bosses to learn from Steve Jobs
Studies show that mean leaders cause organizations to lose money
Modernization
Networx: A look at its origins
The government has undertaken three major telecom transitions, columnist Bob Woods writes, and there are important lessons to be learned from each of them.
Digital Government
Obama opposes bill to halt regulatory changes
The Obama administration stands opposed to a bill that would freeze changes to regulations until the national unemployment rate improves, but House Republicans are pressing on.
Cybersecurity
Analysis: While Congress dithers, cyber threats grow greater
Two experts offer three essential elements of effective cybersecurity legislation.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers to consider new compromise cybersecurity bill before defense budget
A new version of the bipartisan Cybersecurity Act of 2012 is expected to be considered ahead of the Senate defense authorization bill, drawing the ire of one powerful senator.
People
GSA spends $270k for music, food and picture frames at awards ceremony
GSA's event spending has once again put the agency in Congressional crosshairs -- this time over a $270,000 award ceremony, complete with a violinist and 4,000 elaborate picture frames. This time, however, the agency's leadership may be ahead of the lawmakers.
Digital Government