Acquisition
Supreme Court hearing turns to the contractor mandate
Chief Justice John Roberts invoked the federal contractor mandate – currently blocked from taking effect due to a lawsuit – at a hearing at which two separate vaccine authority cases were argued on Friday.
Emerging Tech
Intel Researchers Explore Making Adaptive Computer Systems that Can Be Worn Like Comfy Clothes
The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity wants information to accelerate the design of smart, responsive textiles.
Cybersecurity
GSA Seeks Comments on Transfer of .Gov Domain to Cybersecurity Agency
The government’s site for managing government websites—dotgov.gov— may temporarily go down for maintenance as officials make the switch.
Emerging Tech
Transportation Secretary Pushes for Government Support for Vehicle Innovation
The Transportation secretary doubled down on the government's role in fostering a strong environment for emerging tech like electric cars and buses, automated vehicles.
Ideas
The Metaverse Offers a Future Full of Potential—for Terrorists and Extremists, Too
Violent extremists could find the metaverse a useful recruiting and organizing tool – and a target-rich environment.
Ideas
Making the Customer Service Executive Order Really Work
Among the keys: making permanent the flexibility to pursue innovation through technology and multi-sector partnerships.
Digital Government
OPM To Publish Rule Implementing Law Protecting Feds from Discrimination, Whistleblower Retaliation
The Elijah E. Cummings Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act requires agencies to publish instances when they discriminated or retaliated against federal workers and encourages agencies to punish federal employees responsible for such acts.
Emerging Tech
Next National Defense Strategy Should Address Hybrid Warfare, Experts Say
Embracing innovative technology and more data sharing with allies should be part of the coming strategy, accordingto former Defense officials.
Cybersecurity
How Cybercriminals Turn Paper Checks Stolen from Mailboxes into Bitcoin
Mailboxes are increasingly becoming the scene of a crime.
People
Appeals court deals another blow to Biden's contractor vaccine mandate
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit said in a Wednesday decision that Biden's mandate likely goes beyond authority given in the Procurement Act and denied the administration's request that an injunction in three states be lifted.
Emerging Tech
Privacy Advocates Connect Capitol Attack to Need for Data Protection Legislation
Sen. Ron Wyden joined citizen groups calling for limits on data collection as a way around an impasse over regulating free speech.
Modernization
In IT Modernization And Cloud Adoption, Don’t Overlook Employee Training
Training helps keep employees up to date on the latest tech and keep them engaged, according to GSA Cloud Optimization Director Thomas Santucci.
Digital Government
Streamlining delivery at USDA
Rebecca Piazza, former 18F acting executive director, is working at USDA on customer experience in food and nutrition benefits. The hope is that the work could increase participation in programs by taking away administrative burdens.
Emerging Tech
Army to Deploy Virtual Reality Capabilities to Combat Sexual Assault
Lessons on regulatory guidance and more will be provided through the potential new training.
Emerging Tech
Alexa, Webex headed to the moon
Custom-built versions of Amazon's Alexa digital voice assistant and Cisco's Webex video collaboration software will be tested on NASA's unmanned Orion spacecraft as it travels to the moon and back.
Acquisition
GAO uses uses covert testing scheme to assess SBA screening processes
The Government Accountability Office sent applications from four fake firms to the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program to see whether SBA had made progress addressing long-standing oversight issues.
Cybersecurity
Federal agencies highlight security improvements a year after Capitol attack
The Homeland Security Department said officials do not “have information indicating any specific or credible threats related to the anniversary.”
Cybersecurity
One Year After Jan. 6 Attack, Push For Quick Reaction Force Is Dead On Capitol Hill
Experts also warn changes at DOD won’t speed up how quickly Guardsmen could respond to future incidents.
Modernization
The ‘Mayor of SAMgov’ Leaves Government After 15 Years of Public Service
Judith Zawatsky talks to Nextgov about her time at the General Services Administration and how building government services has changed over the years.
Digital Government