People
GSA nomination mired in Senate muck
A busy Senate schedule, not further questions, is apparently holding up confirmation of Martha Johnson to be administrator of the General Services Administration.
People
GAO sets up shop at YouTube, Twitter
Government Accountability Office moves into Web 2.0 to take its products to the people rather than waiting for them to come to it.
Digital Government
Coincidence, Thy Name Is Einstein
Depending on what newspaper you read on July 3, the Obama administration is either ready to roll out the third version of <a href=http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080917_9296.php>Einstein</a>, a system designed to protect the computer networks of nonDefense Department agencies or delayed it because of privacy concerns related to the role of the National Security Agency.
Ideas
Palin: The Medium's the Message
Since announcing her stunning decision to resign as governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin has been missing from the public spotlight as the country debates what prompted the move. In response to rampant speculation about possible criminal charges or scandal, Palin posted a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sarahpalin#/sarahpalin?v=app_2347471856&viewas=1834144632">rambling message to her Facebook account</a> on Friday attempting to explain her actions:
Modernization
Recommendations for reducing government secrecy roll in
The Public Interest Declassification Board continues to gather suggestions from the public on how the Obama administration can improve government policy for classifying data.
Digital Government
The 2030 Workplace
BBC News <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8127334.stm">highlights</a> a new report that speculates what the offices and workplaces of 2030 will be like. The report, by Johnson Controls, a company that designs car and office interiors, predicts that as workforces become more mobile, technology will ensure that everything an employee needs is available no matter where they are.
Acquisition
Defense bill: Contractors would feel the hurt if feds are injured
If a contractor is found at fault for causing injury to a government employee, DOD must prohibit any award fee.
Cybersecurity
Fate of Registered Traveler data up in air after vendor quits program
TSA appears to be distancing itself from the handling of personal data for a Registered Traveler program that suddenly shut down.
Modernization
U.K. mulls handing off national health records to Microsoft, Google
A reported plan for turning over government health records to Microsoft and Google is the subject of debate in the U.K.
Digital Government
With passwords, simplicity can equal strength
Longer passphrases can be easier to remember and provide more security than shorter but more complex passwords with multiple character sets.
Digital Government
Officials weigh cost of transparency, with an eye on technology's role
Some open government proponents say Obama's transparency agenda may initially cost taxpayers more money. Specifically, the administration's ongoing review of classified information policy to address the problem of over-classification likely will result in some short-term overhead expenses.
Digital Government