Ideas

Fueled by Virtually Unrestricted Social Media Access, White Nationalism is on the Rise and Attracting Violent Young White Men

Social media provides a platform for attracting violent extremists that has never existed before.

Acquisition

Lawmakers push Biden for an order to root out dark money from federal contractors

A group of lawmakers want the White House to issue an executive order requiring large federal contractors to disclose their political spending – but not everyone is in support of the idea.

Cybersecurity

How the Cyber Ambassador In Waiting Plans to Control $1.5 Billion for Open Networks

The recently passed “CHIPS and Science Act” funds a grants program that the new State Department official will have a key role in steering, including to telecom networking firms.

Digital Government

VA Appoints Functional Champion to Help Streamline Embattled EHR Rollout

The selection of Dr. David Massaro to the senior role fills out the leadership team of the VA office tasked with “processing and resolving patient care concerns” related to the agency's new electronic health record system

Digital Government

Government Authority to Counter Drones Gets Expansion Under New Legislation 

The Senate bill  would extend the DHS and DOJ’s drone-countering abilities that are set to expire in October, while also implementing some of the Biden administration’s recommendations for mitigating risks posed by potentially malicious drones.

Modernization

TMF announces over $26 million for three projects

The Technology Modernization Fund is making good on its promise earlier this year to support projects focusing on improving public-facing digital services.

Modernization

5G Presents a Need for Spectrum Coordination Among Federal Agencies

A Senate hearing underscored the need for federal telecommunication agency teamwork surrounding 5G spectrum deployment.

Emerging Tech

DOD Launches 6G R&D Center as it Eyes Transition to NextG Wireless Tech

The center will be part of the Department of Defense’s Innovative Beyond 5G Program and provide public and private sector collaboration on the emerging technology.

Digital Government

Cross-agency group explores where government should go next with identity verification

A new report and simulation tool to help officials identify trade-off considerations for different methods.

Ideas

How federal agencies can integrate artificial intelligence into records management

COMMENTARY | Agencies need to factor newer forms of digital records—like those Zoom meeting recordings—into their records management plans.

Acquisition

Senate passes bill to root out conflicts of interest in federal contracting

The Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act sets new disclosure requirements and expands authorities for federal contracting officers. 

Cybersecurity

NIST, CISA Finalizing Guidance for Identity and Access Management Post-SolarWinds

The epic intrusion campaign has turned up the brights on vendors providing authentication services, but agencies will still need to be actively engaged for effective implementation.

Modernization

CBP’s facial recognition program at airports is expanding but concerns remain

The facial recognition program for international arrivals in airports is rolled out in all international airports in the United States.

Emerging Tech

NSF Invests $25.4M into Cybersecurity and Privacy Research Projects

The National Science Foundation’s Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace program is one of the agency’s largest research initiatives.

Policy

Senators Propose Cybercrime Training Center Get 6 More Years of Congressional Support

Legislation to reauthorize the National Computer Forensics Institute through 2028 comes after House lawmakers passed a similar proposal included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

Defense

Coast Guard wants better internet on its ships, and more recruits

Commandant Fagan ties increased connectivity to operational needs and improving Coasties’ quality of life.

Cybersecurity

National Computer Forensics Institute up for reauthorization

The proposal would continue NCFI’s services through 2028 for any government employee who could help prevent or investigate cyber crimes.

Digital Government

Audits of CBP’s Facial Recognition Partners ‘Vital to Building Trust,’ Lawmaker Says

The agency has “a ways to go” in auditing facial recognition partners for privacy and security, a watchdog noted.