Modernization
Critical Calls
Getting first responders on the same wavelength requires common standards.
Cybersecurity
GAO to investigate gaps in terrorist watch lists
Suspect in the attempted Christmas Day terror attack was flagged in one database, but his name never appeared on the watch or no-fly list.
Digital Government
Tool matches partners for broadband grants
BroadbandMatch can help those seeking out partnerships.
Modernization
Need a Defense business service? 'There's an app for that'
The department plans to launch a Web-based storefront next month similar to Apple's App Store so users can download common programs such as messaging, storage and potentially its travel system.
Digital Government
GSA tags Steven Kempf to lead Federal Acquisition Service
The 18-year FAS veteran replaces Tyree Varnado, who retired after 35 years of federal service.
Ideas
A Discussion on the IT Budget
Bob Evans, senior vice president and content director at TechWeb, this week took on Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222200171">in his blog</a> for adding $5 billion to -- rather than cutting -- the $76 billion federal information technology budget.
Ideas
Cybersecurity Appointee Makes History
Since his campaign President Obama has repeatedly emphasized how he wants to attract a more diverse group of Americans into public service. Yesterday he advanced that goal by appointing Amanda Simpson to be senior technical advisor to the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security.
People
Need to Know: A new mission for CIOs?
The glut of labels for sensitive but unclassified data hampers efforts to share vital information, such as anti-terrorism intelligence.
People
VistA: Ready for its close-up?
VistA, the Veterans Affairs Department's electronic health record software, might be the apex of what digital health care has to offer, but it also has problems that have prevented more widespread use.
People
White House directive offers little guidance on what makes for open government
The Open Government Directive requires federal agencies to make more information available online to the general public. But with fast deadlines and little in the way of concrete guidance, transparency remains in the eye of the beholder.
Acquisition
Procurement reform fever to die down in 2010
The contracting memo influenced much of the procurement policy guidance in 2009, but experts say its effects will be subtle this year.
Modernization
Web mashups put transparency to the test
Web mashups are expected to become a valuable tool for sharing and analyzing government data, but mashup creators say government could do more to make their data more accessible.
People
OPM reorganizes into five divisions for better efficiency
The Office of Personnel Management made changed its organizational structure by separating its compliance unit from the unit that handles employees' requests for advice with policies, according to a human resources expert.
Digital Government
OPM's Reorg Includes Room for IT
The Office of Personnel Management on Tuesday announced a complete restructuring of its organizational chart. The <a href="http://www.opm.gov/about_OPM/reorg-2010/FunctionalDescriptions.pdf">restructuring outline</a> includes a few plans for information technology, including elevating the role chief information officer at the agency.
Modernization
Microsoft launches tech policy Web site
Microsoft today announced that it has launched a new Web site to engage the public in discussion about major technology policy issues including privacy, security, cloud computing and intellectual property rights.
Digital Government
Nexus One: All that and a trackball
Google ups the ante in the smart phone frenzy with the Nexus One, a smart phone running the Android OS.
Acquisition