Digital Government

NIST issues guidelines to test agencies' network security

Release is a "huge step forward" to make federal systems more secure and to improve FISMA.

Digital Government

Most federal benefit programs use electronic payments, GAO reports

But less than half of the programs know what percentage of payments is issued using online methods.

Digital Government

Bush administration streamlines security clearance process

Executive order requires agencies to use common standards, reciprocal recognition.

Digital Government

Lawmakers seek House vote on E-Verify reauthorization

Representatives hope to extend the Homeland Security program through 2018.

Ideas

Lax Security Not Just a U.S. Thing

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People

Letter: Cronyism in pay for performance

A reader calls the new Defense Department personnel pay system a scam.

People

Letter: Kost knowledgeable on transitions, IT governance

A reader says chief information officers can learn a lot from John Kost about good IT governance and surviving transitions.

People

Letter: No more changes to General Schedule system

A reader writes about keeping the GS system uniform governmentwide and says, "New alternatives to the GS system are attempts to get rid of unions."

Digital Government

GAO cites problems with response tools

Urban fire, police and emergency response personnel do not have the equipment to accurately and quickly identify and respond to the release of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials, according to the Government Accountability Office.

People

Letter: COOP and telework won't be issues until next disaster

A reader says continuity-of-operations planning and teleworking will not get agencies' attention until the next crisis arises.

People

USPTO encouraged by peer patent review

A U.S. Patent and Trademark Office official cites the initial success of a pilot program.

People

GAO gets good reviews for quality

Two peer reviews have determined that the Government Accountability Office's internal quality measures are up to the task.

People

FCW Insider: GSA's musical chairs

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Digital Government

Reid says Senate will vote on FISA after recess

An amendment to strip telecom companies of their legal protection for participating in NSA's warrantless wiretapping will be among the measures up for vote on July 8.

Digital Government

Army's new FCS plan sparks concern over testing delays

Members of Congress concerned service leaders are being too optimistic about the timeframe for completing critical tests for Future Combat Systems.

Digital Government

TSP moves forward on spousal benefits, IT modernization

But automatic enrollment legislation sparks debate over default funds and the investment board's power.

Digital Government

Coast Guard shows off first high-tech cutter

Public tour aims to demonstrate modernization contract is on track, but GAO says problems remain.

People

FCW Insider: Calming nerves at GSA

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Ideas

The Origin of the CIO

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Modernization

Agencies hit security mark

OMB’s target is to have only 100 Internet connections governmentwide, official says.