Digital Government

SSA turns to online apps to keep up with boomer claims

An aging workforce, retiring baby boomers and a poor economy are forcing SSA to innovate with new technology to keep up with the demand, the agency's commissioner tells a House subcommittee.

Digital Government

A New Core Competency

Dr. David Blumenthal, the national coordinator for health information technology, has a lot of confidence in the future of his field. But he also acknowledges that since health IT workers will be in high demand as medical professionals adopt new systems, it will take time to for the workforce to match the pace of IT development.

Ideas

IRS E-file Overhaul Triggers Errors

A $574 million program to overhaul the IRS' existing method for electronically collecting tax returns is supposed to provide instant processing capabilities and improved error detection, but the system is erroneously rejecting returns, according to report released Thursday, tax day, by a Treasury watchdog.

Cybersecurity

What'd You Learn in School Today?

Sharing. This key kindergarten lesson has many real-life applications, including a few in cyberspace. Collaboration and teamwork are the keys to effective cybersecurity programs, according to Homeland Security Department officials.

Digital Government

On the Hook for Bad Systems

House members introduced a Defense Department acquisition bill on Wednesday that would directly impact procurement workers -- and some aren't too happy about it. Some of the provisions in the IMPROVE Acquisition Act are particularly tough for financial managers. According to a Government Executive <a href=http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=45033&dcn=todaysnews>article</a>:

Digital Government

NSA Chief: iPad Geek

Senators on the Armed Services Committee quizzed Army Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander, director of the National Security Agency, on Thursday about his <a href=http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100413_3560.php>nomination as commander of the U.S. Cyber Command</a>. The lawmakers candidly admitted they were computer challenged.

Cybersecurity

Pick to lead cyber command lays out battle plans

Army Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander says that militarizing cyberspace is not part of his agenda, and reveals what is at the top of the list.

Modernization

GSA honors top federal achievers at IRMCO

GSA bestowed its annual awards for federal agency programs that improve government operations and increase transparency.

Cybersecurity

DHS inks deal with Germany for global trusted travelers

Homeland Security Department officials signed an agreement with Germany to integrate the countries' trusted traveler programs.

Modernization

FDA launches 40 online performance management dashboards

The Food and Drug Administration has started its online performance management system that tracks agency performance measures on 40 Web-based dashboards.

Acquisition

Good job, acquisition workforce; here's a raise

A new bill would use incentives and career development to build up the acquisition workforce.

Digital Government

Tax day: The price we pay for civilization

Blogger Steve Kelman reflects on the importance of taxes -- and the value of good government management.

Digital Government

Celebrities come out for USO awards dinner

Washington Technology editor Nick Wakeman rubbed elbows with a variety of celebrities that turned out for the annual awards dinner of the Metropolitan USO chapter.

Digital Government

Soundbytes: Hiring, Spying, Twitter and Beer

A weekly roundup of comments from Nextgov.com. All comments are presented in their original, unedited form.