Digital Government

Doing the Innovation Thing at ASD/NII

Here in Whatsland we try to keep track of all the personnel changes at the office of the assistant secretary of Defense for networks and information integration (a.k.a. the chief information officer shop). I note that yesterday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates appointed Prabha Kumar, as the chief innovation and technology officer for ASD/NII.

Ideas

FAA Launches Safety Site

The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday remodeled its <a href="http://www.faa.gov/">Web site</a> partly to direct users to its safety-related content.

Ideas

A Retreat (Sorta) on Blocking Social Media

Wired's Danger Room blog has <a href="http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/06/army-orders-bases-stop-blocking-twitter-facebook-flickr/">obtained a copy</a> of a May 18 operations order from the Army's 93rd Signal Brigade directing information managers on domestic military bases to allow personnel to access Facebook, Vimeo, Delicious, Flickr and Twitter. From the order:

Digital Government

Narrowing the Pay Gap

On Monday, I wrote about how company hiring managers are <a href="http://wiredworkplace.nextgov.com/2009/06/good_news_for_government.php">having a difficult time</a> filling critical information security jobs in light of the current economic crisis.

Acquisition

Kennedy debuts health care reform bill

Sen. Edward Kennedy's long-awaited health care reform legislation includes some IT provisions, including establishing standards for electronic enrollment in federal and state health systems.

Acquisition

Report: Think twice before in-sourcing government work

Taking work from the private sector should be done deliberately and based on facts, not innuendo and rhetoric, according to a new report.

Ideas

Committee Approves Johnson to GSA

On Monday, the Senate Committee for Homeland Security and Government Affairs approved by unanimous voice vote the nomination of Martha Johnson to be GSA administrator. Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., praised Johnson for her experience and firsthand knowledge of GSA:

Digital Government

Group: Health IT essential to health reform

Health IT may falter if it is not included in overall health reform, according to health industry organizations.

Cybersecurity

Experts urge federal efforts on cybersecurity

Experts from industry and academia today urged more federal involvement in cybersecurity research, development and education.

Cybersecurity

IG: Dulles IT security needs more work

The Homeland Security Department has made progress on IT security at Dulles International Airport, but gaps remain, says a new report.

People

Government contractors vs. federal employees: How to tell the difference

Like lions and hyenas, Yankees fans and Red Sox fans, the French and everybody, there seems to be a natural conflict here.

Digital Government

FDA creates info-sharing task force

A new transparency task force at the Food and Drug Administration will recommend ways to share information with the public.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity tops priorities for DHS' research and development arm

Sizable budget increase would fund 'leap-ahead technologies,' acting chief says.

Cybersecurity

Cell phones, other wireless devices next big cybersecurity targets

Mobile computing products are the source of a "coming tsunami of insecurity" as hackers develop ways to exploit the airwaves and their applications, security expert says.

Digital Government

With tight budgets, Air Force simulation center proves a cost saver

The Distributed Mission Operations Center also will provide training for the service's shift to rely on more unmanned aerial vehicles rather than fighter jets.

Digital Government

FDA creates info-sharing task force

Federal Computer Week