Modernization

Labor Department announces grants for states to expand UI access

The latest in a series of grants available to states for unemployment compensation programs focus on improving access to the benefit by partnering with community-based organizations for education about unemployment insurance.

Defense

DIU boasts more rapid acquisition agreements but fewer new programs in 2021

The Defense Innovation Unit awarded out 72 new prototype contracts, but transitioned out only eight technologies – a dip compared to 2020.

Policy

Lawmakers Request Continued Telehealth Expansion for Medicare

A letter signed by 45 members of Congress asked for continued federal funding for Medicare telehealth access as pending legislation aims to make it permanent. 

Cybersecurity

IG report points to weaknesses in the Commerce Department's infosec program

The Commerce Department has routinely failed to implement crucial security assessment measures and an effective continuous monitoring program, according to a new Inspector General report published this week.

Digital Government

US Spy Chief Warns Government Is Classifying Too Much Data

Emerging technologies have had a direct impact on how much data the government classifies. 

People

The deadline is here for federal contractors to start paying at least $15 an hour

This comes as a “record number” of states and localities are increasing their minimum wages in 2022.

Digital Government

DOD Opens Two Fresh Facilities to Field Next-Gen Supercomputers

Officials can access new office space, conference rooms—and high-performance capabilities—in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Ideas

Attitudes About the Future of Work Have Dramatically Changed

Now it’s time to embrace hybrid work and enhance mission performance. 

Digital Government

The Deadline is Here for Federal Contractors to Start Paying at least $15 an Hour

This comes as a “record number” of states and localities are increasing their minimum wages in 2022.

Policy

Lawmakers Ask Biden To Make Sure DOD Follows Climate Rules

The Pentagon has said it will not seek an exemption to the climate goals.

Acquisition

Lawmakers ask Biden to make sure DOD follows climate rules

The Pentagon has said it will not seek an exemption to the climate goals.

Defense

DISA's assistant to the director to retire in April

Maj. Gen. Garrett Yee, the Defense Information Systems Agency's assistant to the director, is retiring this spring.

People

Exit interview: Angie Bailey

Angie Bailey was the chief human capital officer at the Department of Homeland Security as it built and launched its own personnel system for cybersecurity personnel. Here's some of what she learned about the government's ability to recruit and retain cybersecurity and IT talent.

Policy

After 20 Years of Civilian Drone Strike Deaths, the Pentagon Creates An Office to Stop More

The military keeps repeating mistakes and is not ready for future fights because the lessons learned have not been instilled throughout the DOD, an independent review found.

Artificial Intelligence

Using AI, ML Will Help the Government Tackle Climate Change, Experts Say

Artificial intelligence can help scientists better forecast the impacts of climate change across numerous arenas.

Digital Government

Democratic Lawmakers Call for Ban of Surveillance Advertising

Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Anna Eshoo asked the Federal Trade Commission to consider prohibiting targeted advertising through personal user data.

Digital Government

DISA Awards Thunderdome Zero Trust Prototype

The defense IT agency has been crafting requirements for its foray into zero trust, called Thunderdome, and awarded Booz Allen Hamilton $6.8 million to develop a prototype leveraging software defined wide area networks.