People

VA scandal brings out the critics and cynics

Numerous readers have written to say that they are not surprised about recent allegations of misconduct at the Veterans Affairs Department.

Digital Government

The Value of Twitter

Pear Analytics, a San Antonio-based research firm, recently released a <a href="http://www.pearanalytics.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Twitter-Study-August-2009.pdf">study examining what people are using Twitter for</a>. Their initial hypothesis was intended to prove that Twitter was being used largely for senseless babble or self-promotion, and while babble made up more than 40 percent of tweets, the researchers found that more than 37 percent of tweets were conversational and almost 9 percent had pass-along value. Only 5.85 percent of tweets were for self-promotion, the study found. As Twitter continues to evolve, not only as a brand but from a user's perspective, it is likely that usage patterns will change, the study concluded.

Modernization

IRS launches YouTube, iTunes sites

The IRS launched a YouTube video site and an iTunes podcast site filled with content that provides taxpayers with information about tax provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Modernization

DOD updates IPv6 Standard Profile

The updated IPv6 Standard Profile provides a technical and standards based definition of interoperability requirements for IPv6-capable products to be used in DOD networks.

People

DOE to invest $37 million for R&D into clean energy

The Energy Department plans to release $37 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to small businesses to stimulate research and development into clean energy technologies.

Digital Government

OMB requires agencies to submit FISMA reports via online tool

Security specialists doubt the new rule will do much to improve computer network protection.

Digital Government

RFID tags eyed to track Washington-area patients in case of disaster

System would serve one private, two federal hospitals.

People

Robertson is Obama's inside man at GSA

As leader of GSA's Office of Governmentwide Policy, Michael Robertson plans to be the voice for GSA at the White House.

Modernization

5 pitfalls to avoid with performance management dashboards

Dashboards promise greater visibility into day-to-day agency operations, but poor data and lack of user involvement can spoil projects.

People

The acquisition workforce and its money

The Federal Acquisition Institute's latest report shows a workforce in transition.