Cybersecurity

FCC Chair Proposes Updating Data Breach Reporting Requirements

The Commission is still waiting for an empty chair to be filled as observers call for a vote on Biden nominee Gigi Sohn.

People

DHS launches new program to recruit, train climate professionals

The program, designed to recruit recent graduates as well as current federal employees, is one of the department's efforts meant to focus DHS on adapting to climate change.

Emerging Tech

Energy Launches New Program To Overhaul the U.S. Electrical Grid

Pursuant to President Biden’s sustainable energy plans, the Department of Energy launched a new initiative to restore the country’s electrical grid through expanded access and more resilient systems.

Acquisition

IRS plans new version of its $700M digital platform contract

The Integrated Enterprise Portal 2.0 procurement will cover some of the most widely used, public-facing IRS applications.

Emerging Tech

VA Inks $13 Million Contract with Google Cloud to Drive the Making of Apps for Vets

A new announcement marks the “continued evolution” of an ongoing program and aims to promote customer experience.

People

Agencies must establish COVID-19 testing programs for certain unvaccinated feds and contractors by Feb. 15

Task force issues new guidance on coronavirus testing for those who report to federal facilities or otherwise interact with the public.

Cybersecurity

Why self-sufficiency is key to fostering data literacy in the Air Force

The Air Force wants to improve data literacy and culture, so it's creating a cadre of "citizen analysts" and communities of interest to build and then spread their knowledge.

Digital Government

Agencies Must Establish COVID-19 Testing Programs for Certain Unvaccinated Feds and Contractors By Feb. 15

Task force issues new guidance on coronavirus testing for those who report to federal facilities or otherwise interact with the public.

Cybersecurity

House FISMA Reform Would Empower Federal CISO With Budgeting Authority

Corresponding Senate legislation doesn’t mention the federal chief information security officer but shares other key elements—including a shorter incident reporting window—with a discussion draft issued by the House Oversight and Reform Committee.

Cybersecurity

House FISMA draft codifies federal CISO role, looks to shared services

The House Oversight Committee is considering the first updates to the Federal Information Security Modernization Act in seven years, amid increasingly sophisticated cyber risks and threats.

People

MSPB passes five-year mark without a quorum

Without a quorum on the Merit Systems Protection Board, the board is unable to issue decisions for appeals, leaving thousands in limbo and a critical part of the civil service system non-functional.

Modernization

Coast Guard Completes Financial System Modernization

The Coast Guard is the latest agency to update its financial software systems as more federal agencies continue modernization efforts.

Digital Government

Newly Uncovered Emails Intensify Republican Senator's Unease About DOD’s Cloud Contracts

A senior senator continued a back-and-forth with auditors over the Defense Department's now-canceled JEDI contract.

Digital Government

Can Project Maven help shape acquisition policy?

The DOD's inspector general found that the lack of a formal documentation process for acquisition metrics and procedures could prevent future growth of Project Maven and similar projects.

Cybersecurity

NIST Updates Cybersecurity Engineering Guidelines

Amid constant cybersecurity threats, NIST added more insight for engineers and programmers on how to mitigate system vulnerabilities.

Acquisition

Can Project Maven help shape acquisition policy?

The DOD's inspector general found that the lack of a formal documentation process for acquisition metrics and procedures could prevent future growth of Project Maven and similar projects.