Digital Government

Majority of US embassies tweeting for diplomacy, report says

U.S. embassy tweeting is off to a good start with 69 percent of embassies engaging in Twitter communications, according to a new study.

People

GOP plan to nix sequester moves forward

House Republicans want to replace the looming sequester with cuts targeting health care and federal benefits.

Digital Government

DOD components could lose funding over service contract inventories

The Armed Services Committee is ready to put some teeth into its longstanding efforts to speed DOD service contract inventory efforts along.

Digital Government

Wanted: Stress sensors that harness the energy of soldiers who wear them

Collected data could help assess troop performance and health.

Digital Government

Lawmaker wants to clarify Pentagon’s authority for cyber operations

Clearer guidelines could help technology contractors.

Modernization

SSA introduces new personalized online statements

The SSA's new online records system could suffer from errors in the agency's database or users trying to use stolen personal information.

Digital Government

Gathering data is just the first step

New information flowing into government will need careful and critical analysis, experts say.

Digital Government

Federal Facebook could outdo conferences, former CIO says

Vivek Kundra says social networks in government offices could connect foreign-based colleagues and customers.

Modernization

FCC ups value of Terremark cloud service contract

Traffic to agency’s website has risen 55 percent since 2010 redesign.

People

Readers question federal IT pay survey

Who makes more, IT professionals in government or private industry? FCW readers are conflicted.

Modernization

IRS saved millions by virtualizing servers, IG says

The Internal Revenue Service saved a bundle by virtualizing about 2,500 servers, according to a new report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

Modernization

Two House members to hold IT forum over colleagues' objections

The forum is expected to address workforce issues, IT issues, including the data center shutdown proposal, contracting awards based on price, all of which are affect agencies' operations.

Modernization

FBI proposing 'wiretapping' law for social media, Web email, according to report

The FBI is preparing to seek authority to access Web-based social media networks, email and instant messages for law enforcement investigations of suspected illegal activity.

Digital Government

Insect-spying technology tops military entomology wish list

Tool will assess threat of vector-borne disease outbreak among ground troops.

Acquisition

Mythbusting: OFPP tackles industry's contracting misconceptions

Officials emphasized feedback early in the acquisition process and taking advantage of industry days as agencies maximize scarces resources.

Cybersecurity

FBI wants easier Internet surveillance, seeks nod from Web companies

Plan would require backdoors in email and networking tools.

Modernization

Are agencies ready to make the most of big data?

Agencies want to leverage the possibilities that come with big data, but many lack the ability to do so.

Digital Government

FTC wants in on Google antitrust action

An antimonopoly case against the search giant would face hurdles.

Digital Government

Facebook 'Likes' not protected as free speech, judge rules

A district court judge has ruled that employees who are fired for liking something on Facebook have no legal remedy under the First Amendment.

Digital Government

GSA hearings prompt more media outrage

Further revelations and a key official's refusal to talk generate strong reactions.