Digital Government
Agencies still working through GSA's social networking agreements
Some IT managers have yet to obtain permission to use Web sharing applications like YouTube and Add This despite federal licenses allowing it.
Cybersecurity
GSA nominee says Networx transition is too slow
Martha Johnson warns that at current rate the government will not complete the telecommunications shift before the contracts expire in two years.
People
Acquisition jobs a tough sell to would-be feds
The federal government should be an attractive place to work in these troubled times, but the bureaucracy still scares off would-be employees.
Digital Government
FDA criticized for incomplete IT modernization plans
A comprehensive and detailed strategy is critical to synchronizing initiatives and allocating resources among projects, GAO says.
People
Serrao: Web 2.0 works better for connecting people than assessing threats
Are new social-networking tools suitable for law enforcement?
Modernization
Agencies adapt FOIA ops to new requirements
Agencies are using various automated systems to reduce administrative costs and comply with new rules for responding to Freedom of Information Act requests.
Digital Government
Vietnam Memorial Brass Polishing Update
No one seems to think it's a good idea for the National Park Service to bust a couple of veterans for polishing the brass on the base of the flagpole at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, based on the comments I received on an <a href=http://whatsbrewin.nextgov.com/2009/06/park_police_dont_shine_that_br.php>item I wrote on Monday</a>.
Ideas
The End of Twitter?
The problem with technology is that once something has been deemed "hot," it's most likely not (anymore). Could that be happening to Twitter?
People
Obama picks Google exec as deputy CTO
Aneesh Chopra, federal chief technology officer, is about to get some help. President Obama has picked Andrew McLaughlin, currently head of public policy for Google, to be Chopra's deputy.
Cybersecurity
Obama's likely pick for cybersecurity head remains murky
Although some analysts have ideas about the qualities the person filling the position might need, no one is naming names of likely contenders.
People
DHS to create online dialogue for security review
The online dialogue will enable DHS to tap into security and policy experts in government, academia and industry, the department says.
Digital Government
Bing, Brewin, Obama and DISA
Microsoft's <a href=http://www.bing.com/?FORM=MFEHPG&PUBL=Google&CREA=userid1743go51d367c64cb6b50c6d8b0b7fe5f35618>Bing</a> search engine went live today, and I decided to test it against Google with my all-time favorite search term, "Bob Brewin."
Cybersecurity
Nominee: DHS won't lose cybersecurity authority
Rand Beers, the nominee to lead the DHS unit that oversees cybersecurity, said he has been told the department won't lose its authority in that area.
Acquisition
IG: NIH follows most buying rules
The National Institutes of Health's assisted acquisition services have improved, but some problems remain, an inspector general has found.
Cybersecurity
Napolitano names senior cybersecurity officials
Philip Reitinger, deputy undersecretary of DHS' National Protection and Programs Directorate, will also lead the National Cybersecurity Center.
Cybersecurity
GAO: FDA's tracking system isn't secure
FDA's planned Sentinel system for tracking medications and medical devices and their effects on public health has many problems ahead in privacy and security, GAO auditors said.
Digital Government
Study Highlights SOA Herd Mentality
A recent study from market watcher Gartner Inc. suggests that in some cases SOA adopters might be service-enabling chiefly for the sake of service-enabling.
People
New federal CTO sets early agenda
Aneesh Chopra said he would seek to support the president’s priorities through so-called innovation platforms, such as crowd sourcing.
Modernization