Ideas

The Downside of E-Health Records

With all the excitement surrounding <a href="http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090115_8220.php?oref=search">electronic health records</a> in the new administration, including the $19 billion in the stimulus bill set aside to further their adoption, it's easy to forget the potential risks of moving our health information online.

Acquisition

IG: Clearly define Alliant's scope

Auditors recommend putting more details in the Alliant ordering guide to cut down on the risk of repeating past problems.

Acquisition

FCW Insider: A Consumer Reports for contracting officials?

Some government contractors might address problems more quickly if negative performance reports were available to the public, a reader says.

People

FCW Insider: Why early adopters most often fail

Many early adopters only have themselves to blame if their ideas don’t catch on in their agency, says one reader.

Modernization

HHS uses widgets and live blogging

A new report by the Health and Human Services Department highlights its uses of widgets and other tools to improve transparency and service.

Cybersecurity

Military leaders embrace idea of cyber command

The cyber command, expected to be announced in days, would help the Defense Department keep up with the changing technology and tactics of cyber warfare, current and former officials say.

Cybersecurity

Experts: Workforce needs cybersecurity awareness

Federal employees who work with taxpayers' information must be trained to protect that data, experts say.

People

Get a Life: Recognizing public service

From awards and exhibits to Web 2.0 discussions, this is the week to recognize public service, writes blogger Judy Welles.

Digital Government

Nevada: A sure bet on XBRL

Federal News Radio

Digital Government

Stimulus hot line is on the horizon

Effort will be tricky because tips are likely to vary widely.

Digital Government

Security groups cautious about data security and file sharing bills

House panel hears concerns that breach notification could weaken states' privacy laws and forcing peer-to-peer companies to tighten security could stifle innovation.

Cybersecurity

Agencies still fail to take steps to secure information systems

Lack of comprehensive programs to protect data blamed for vulnerabilities.

Ideas

GSA Sends USA.gov to the Cloud

In February I <a href="http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090225_6859.php?oref=search">reported</a> that the General Services Administration planned to shift the federal government's official Web portal, <a href="http://www.usa.gov">USA.gov</a> to private servers, a strategy known as cloud computing. The move was expected to cut costs in half and serve as a model to other agencies considering making the leap to software as a service.

Digital Government

How's That Front End Tool Workin'?

The Veterans Benefit Administration has a <a href=http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090504_1368.php>mess of tech problems</a> on its hands with the near collapse of its <a href=https://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp>Veterans OnLine Application</a> and an inability to handle documents that vets have to attach to their applications.