Digital Government
It's Official: Biden Formalizes Average 4.6% Pay Raise Plan for Feds in 2023
The annual declaration of a national emergency preventing large automatic pay increases from taking effect confirms that 0.5% of the total pay raise will go to an average increase in locality pay.
Emerging Tech
Energy Awards $70 Million to Boost Supercomputer-Powered Earth Modeling System
Funding for seven projects will help improve the agency’s Energy Exascale Earth System Model that uses supercomputers to simulate climate change’s impact.
Cybersecurity
National Cyber Director’s Office Elevates Key Personnel
Nick Leiserson helped develop legislation that created the cyber director’s office. A year after its establishment, he’s moving to a position where he can use it to shape policy.
Emerging Tech
Microsoft Challenges Intelligence Agency's $1B Task Order to Amazon
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency went down the sole-source route, which of course led to a protest.
People
It's official: Biden formalizes average 4.6% pay raise plan for feds in 2023
The annual declaration of a national emergency preventing large automatic pay increases from taking effect confirms that 0.5% of the total pay raise will go to an average increase in locality pay.
Digital Government
OMB looks to update federal race and ethnicity data standards
The government's chief statistician put out a call for input via newly announced listening sessions as part of OMB's work to update federal race and ethnicity standards.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Much-hyped Effort to Help DHS Land Cyber Talent is Slow to Make Hires
So far about four hires have been made under the Cybersecurity Talent Management System, with the agency hoping to make offers to 150 new cyber specialists by the end of September.
Digital Government
Statistical Uncertainty Could be Problematic for Evidence-Based Policies, Study Finds
Certain privacy measures, as well as general data errors, can skew funding allocations derived from census information.
Modernization
Energy is Looking for Input on $10 Billion Electric Grid Overhaul
A pillar in the Biden Administration agenda, the electrical grid modernization aims to increase clean energy sources and grid reliability.
Defense
CACI-led team wins $5.7B Air Force enterprise IT pact
Wave number one of the branch's "Enterprise IT as a Service" effort seeks to push more basic IT functions out to industry.
Cybersecurity
DHS watchdog digs into uneven cyber awareness training, outdated policies
Some DHS policies and procedures aren’t up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity standards, a new report from the Office of the Inspector General at DHS says. The department, however, says that it’s taking action to mature their training program.
Modernization
CISA Seeks Software Engineers to Build New Registrar for .Gov Domain
The agency is taking new hiring authorities out for a spin in the recruitment effort to make state and local government websites more secure
Digital Government
5G and Cloud Can Work Together to Improve Government Operations, Experts Say
Government and private sector officials explained how 5G can be an “underlayment” for scale and speed.
Digital Government
A Bipartisan Bill Would Ban Top Feds From Trading Stocks
Violators would potentially face hefty fines.
Ideas
The Perks of Positivity May Depend on Race and Culture
"There may be nuance in terms of what positive psychological factors protect people, depending on their race and their culture...""
Cybersecurity
House Lawmaker Asks 9 Entities to Illuminate Crypto’s Security Concerns
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi issued nine letters to regulatory agencies and crypto trading platforms alike asking for future plans, emphasizing consumer protections.
Cybersecurity
Crucial Help Wanted at Cyber Director’s Office as CHIPS Act Adds to Responsibilities
The Office of the National Cyber Director is looking to fill two critical positions, while a recent executive order requires participation on a new steering council.
Modernization
Audit finds trouble in SSA's agile software development
A new report said the Social Security Administration failed to implement key best practices in agile development.
Digital Government
Lack of Equitable Data is Harming Underserved Communities, U.S. Chief Data Scientist Says
Enhanced data collection efforts and outreach are needed to improve outcomes for underrepresented communities across the country.
Acquisition