Modernization
SATCOM shift to Space Force stalled under CR
The U.S. Space Force’s plans to absorb all of the military’s satellite communications, including nearly 700 uniformed personnel from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, is delayed along with the rest of the military’s appropriation as Congress preps for a second continuing resolution in fiscal year 2022.
Digital Government
Report: U.S. Workforce Falling Behind Competitors in Digital Skills
Experts advocate better school curriculums and tax breaks for reskilling existing workforces.
Acquisition
Biden taps former USAF buyer to lead DOD acquisition
The White House has nominated former Air Force acquisition chief William LaPlante to be the Pentagon’s top buyer.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: November 30, 2021
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Digital Government
Biden Administration Delays Vaccine Mandate Penalties Until 2022
OMB and OPM officials said agencies should extend the counseling portion of enforcement of President Biden’s vaccine mandate through the end of the year, citing recent progress in the federal workforce’s vaccination rate.
Cybersecurity
Commerce Proposes Third Party Audits as Criteria in Supply Chain Rule for Software
The Government Accountability Office says CISA should also update its approach to communications sector reliability by securing the supply chain for information and communications technology.
Cybersecurity
CISA mulls plan to safeguard federal civilian email
According to contracting documents, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is looking to take a leading role in identifying and defending against threats against federal civilian executive branch email systems and networks.
Emerging Tech
FAA Warns Of Holiday Laser-Light Display Dangers To Pilots
2021 broke records for the highest number of annual laser strikes, which can incapacitate pilots and endanger aircraft passengers.
People
White House asks agencies to delay consequences for vaccine mandate violations
Agencies have the power to decide how to discipline unvaccinated feds, but the White House is encouraging them to go beyond education, counseling and letters of reprimand until after the holidays.
Digital Government
Getting Ready for the Next Budget Showdown
As in some years past, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding a potential government shutdown.
Cybersecurity
Military service principal cyber advisors take root
Congress established service level principal cyber advisors in the 2020 defense policy bill. FCW sat down with the Army and Navy PCAs to get a sense of what their priorities have been in the past year.
Ideas
DOD Could Save Hundreds of Millions Annually Through Better IT Asset Management
The Pentagon struggles to manage the lifecycle—including security and costs—of those assets.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: November 29, 2021
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Digital Government
Pentagon Outlines Role for New UFO Office
Defense leaders want to make sure they can spot and track “phenomena” trespassing over training ranges.
Digital Government
Report Highlights 3 Ways to Successfully Reskill Employees
The report looked at tech training case studies to investigate the most critical elements in digitally transforming federal workplaces.
Ideas
Infrastructure Law’s Digital Equity Goals Are Key to Smart Cities that Work for Everyone
Smart cities promise a shining future, but without deliberate efforts to include underserved communities they can worsen the digital divide.
Artificial Intelligence