People
OPM prods agencies to name chief diversity officers
The Office of Personnel Management followed up on an executive order on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in a letter released Monday on chief diversity officers. OPM is establishing a forum for these officials, it says.
Cybersecurity
How the Log4j Vulnerability is Forcing Change in Federal Cybersecurity Policy
Officials say agencies have demonstrated more dedication than ever in addressing a bug with astronomical reach, but organizations are at the mercy of product vendors to issue the patches they need to implement.
Emerging Tech
FAA Lists 50 Airports Exempt From New 5G Rollout
These airports will have a temporary buffer zones to ensure airplane altimeters are protected, pursuant to an agreement between telecommunication companies and the government.
Emerging Tech
Air Force Improvises With 3D Printing to Overcome Supply Chain Challenge
A senior airman’s creative idea resulted in money saved and capabilities improved at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
Emerging Tech
Who’s in Charge of US Space Policy?
Space professionals worry the National Space Council is ceding its defense portfolio.
Digital Government
Report: 45% of All Federal Employees Teleworked in Fiscal 2020
The Office of Personnel Management’s latest annual telework report captures the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
People
A ‘friend from the city’ making her mark on government contracting
Steve Kelman reports on a new addition to the cohort of non-traditional government contractors.
People
Report: 45% of all federal employees teleworked in fiscal 2020
The Office of Personnel Management’s latest annual telework report captures the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cybersecurity
NGA looks to tech to support unclassified workforce
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is looking to the future with plans to accommodate uncleared employees and to be prepared for "a changing world environment that we don't anticipate," said Mark Andress, the agency's CIO.
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