Acquisition

SBA looks to promote disadvantaged businesses with 2023 budget request

The head of the Small Business Administration told lawmakers the agency is planning to ramp up outreach efforts for small disadvantaged businesses and other firms in need of support to address a 40% decline in small businesses working with the federal government.

Cybersecurity

Microsoft, DoD Partners Celebrate Cooperative Research and Development Agreement

The company may have the chance to negotiate exclusive intellectual property rights—with an exception for the government—to innovations emerging from the collaboration.

Acquisition

Pentagon still not taking full advantage of rapid acquisition authorities, former official says

Ellen Lord, the former undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment during the Trump administration, told senators "strong leadership" was needed to fully embrace rapid acquisitions policies.

Digital Government

How GSA is remaking USA.gov

The revamped "federal front door" won't be a mere portal—users will be able to complete end-to-end government services on the USA.gov website.

Modernization

GPO Says Improved Bill Processing Hinges On New Tech, Gov’t Employee Enthusiasm

Government Publishing Office Director Hugh Halpern testified during a hearing on modernizing the legislative process and highlighted his office’s plans to streamline the production of bills.

Ideas

Debunking Myths Around Facial Recognition: What Government Agencies Need to Know 

Government use of facial recognition technology provides its fair share of controversy, as well as tangible benefits.

Modernization

Library of Congress plans new cloud office

The Library of Congress made “great progress” on its strategic Information Technology investments despite being a “constant target” of major cyber threats, the agency’s Chief Information Officer told lawmakers on Thursday.

Policy

More Than 60 Democratic Lawmakers Want a 5.1% Raise for Feds

The lawmakers asked the leadership of the House Appropriations Committee to override President Biden’s plan to offer an average 4.6% raise for federal employees in 2023.

Cybersecurity

CISA Points to Water Sector in Seeking $80 Million More for FEMA Grants

CISA and FEMA are currently rolling out the first of $1 billion the Homeland Security agencies got in Rescue Act funding to help state and local entities improve their cybersecurity.

Defense

JRSS transition still a work in progress

The Defense Information Systems Agency isn't getting rid of the embattled Joint Regional Security Stacks just yet. But it is working on a transition plan as it brings Thunderdome online.

People

More than 60 Democratic lawmakers want a 5.1% raise for feds

The lawmakers asked the leadership of the House Appropriations Committee to override President Biden’s plan to offer an average 4.6% raise for federal employees in 2023.

Digital Government

IRS balks at public free-file suggestion from government watchdog

The Government Accountability Office thinks the IRS should identify and create more free-filing options for taxpayers, but the IRS says that it "does not believe a public free-filing option would significantly improve the taxpayer experience."

Emerging Tech

Global Financial Crimes Organization Releases Guide on NFTs

The report, issued by the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement, intends to help guide public and private entities when participating in the growing NFT market. 

Cybersecurity

CISA Adds New Russian Malware to Cyber Advisory

The agency updated its warning regarding malware deployed by Russian state actors as the country continues war against Ukraine.

Digital Government

GSA to study facial recognition tech with equity in mind

The General Services is planning a study with 2,000 participants to help the agency decide whether to tap facial recognition tech for its Login.gov service.

Digital Government

Federal Employees Are Growing Less Engaged and Less Satisfied With Their Jobs

Response rates for the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey also fell 10 points from 2020, amid an abbreviated fall survey period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.