Cybersecurity

Lieberman-Collins cybersecurity bill clears Senate committee

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted on Thursday to approve a sweeping cybersecurity bill that would clarify the authority of the president to take critical information technology systems offline during emergencies when no other option is available.

Digital Government

White House abolishes decade-old cookies ban

Agencies will be barred from tracking a visitor's activity on nongovernment sites and from sharing the data it collects without gaining users' permission first.

Digital Government

Report predicts rising need for more educated workers

A study released on Thursday from Georgetown University predicts that in eight years a majority of U.S. jobs will require some post-secondary education, demand the United States is not ready to meet.

Modernization

State, Egyptian tech officials meet to improve U.S.-Muslim ties

Delegation is part of a continuing effort to improve Middle East relations following President Obama's call for a new beginning in the tense relationship between Americans and Muslims.

Digital Government

Pentagon orders system to track soldiers for brain injuries

After years of criticism for not properly diagnosing and treating troops affected by battlefield explosions, Defense calls for a database that would alert physicians to check for hard-to-detect concussions and brain damage.

Digital Government

Chinese impressions

Superstition, brand-consciousness dominate the nation

Digital Government

Now, Sorta UnBefuddled

I <a href=http://whatsbrewin.nextgov.com/2010/06/befuddled_by_va_virtual_call_center_notice.php>wrote on Wednesday that I couldn't even began to comprehend a Veteran Affairs Department <a href=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=72ff3c1024d9b04d43176eca88fbbbeb>FedBizOps notice</a> on Virtual Call Centers because it was written in language that barely resembled common English.

Ideas

GSA's Tech Team Keeps Busy

The General Services Administration's revamped <a href=http://techinsider.nextgov.com/2010/05/gsa_adds_tech_office.php>Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies</a> has its hands full with tech projects designed to engage the public, promote openness and improve government innovation and efficiency.

Digital Government

A New iPhone App: Mental Floss

The relentless march of health IT reached a milestone of sorts this week with the release of an iPhone game designed to sharpen users' cognitive health and boost their physical activity.

Digital Government

Cloud computing and the disaster in waiting

Some industry watchers now warn that the IT industry's own Deepwater Horizon crisis is just around the corner, blogger Brian Robinson writes.

Digital Government

Next Gen Government Trends

GovLoop has <a href="http://www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/next-gen-summit-winners">announced</a> the winners of a recent video contest that asked participants to create a short and inspiring video on "Why are you the next generation of government?" It's no surprise that all of the winning entries included some focus on how technology and a flexible workplace are key to the next generation of government leaders.

Cybersecurity

Security-cleared job seekers have new social network

The Cleared Network gives people with security clearances a chance to take advantage of social networking's perks.

Cybersecurity

iPad Security Solutions

Earlier this month, Apple's iPad 3G suffered a <a href="http://www.nextgov.com/web_headlines/wh_20100614_1207.php">major breach</a> that possibly exposed thousands of high profile email addresses. The news made <a href="http://cybersecurityreport.nextgov.com/2010/06/feds_caught_up_in_ipad_security_breach.php">major headlines</a>, and the FBI opened an <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704312104575299111189853840.html">investigation</a>.

Modernization

GSA wants vendor ideas to improve communications

The General Services Administration wants ideas from vendors to improve communication and collaboration.

Digital Government

Government efficiency: It's not about the light bulbs

Readers answer the question: "How many feds does it take to change a light bulb?"

Modernization

Forge.mil could be replicated for civilian agencies

GSA official outlines plans to engage people and implement effective IT solutions across the government.

People

Don't cut corners on insourcing transitions

Agencies need to transition positions without losing institutional knowledge, writes Peter G. Tuttle, CPCM.

People

The case for more acquisition training options

The Department of Veterans Affairs' Jan Frye explains the rationale behind VA's Acquisition Academy.

People

Craigslist founder helps HHS with idea competition

The Health and Human Services Department is getting some help from Craigslist founder Craig Newmark with its employee-only innovation competition.

Modernization

How smart should the smart grid be?

Updating the electrical grid makes sense, but there are still a few bugs to work out, writes FCW columnist Chris Bronk.