Emerging Tech
National Quantum Leaders Contemplate Current Investments and Future Innovation
They expressed aims to continue to prioritize people and partnerships.
People
CDC mask guidelines and the federal workforce
The White House-led Safer Federal Workforce Task Force is incorporating recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates on COVID protocols into their guidance for agencies looking to accommodate vaccinated workers.
Modernization
Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Help State and Cities Modernize IT Systems
The bill would provide $120 million annually for seven years to fund tech teams and tech planning grants.
Cybersecurity
Industry coalition asks appropriators to boost CISA funding
CISA received $650 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, but the agency's top officials have described that as only a "down payment" to move the government's cybersecurity efforts.
Digital Government
House Republicans Want China-Focused Bills Moved Through Regular Order
Committee ranking members signed a letter to Democratic leadership urging them to take advantage of the bipartisan support for passing legislation to boost U.S. innovation
Digital Government
Committee Moves Cabinet-level OSTP Director Nominee to Full Senate
The Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee voted to report Eric Lander’s nomination favorably, though Republican members were split.
Emerging Tech
DHS Plans Next Rally to Advance Facial Recognition Tech
Modern systems are getting good at verifying people who are wearing face masks—and DHS wants to make them better.
Ideas
Employees Are Feeling Burned Over Broken Work-from-Home Promises and Corporate Culture ‘BS’ as Employers Try to Bring Them Back to the Office
We found a disconnect between workers and management that starts with but goes beyond the issue of the remote-work policy itself.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: May 20, 2021
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Modernization
Libraries Eligible for Billions in Federal Funding to Improve Connectivity for Residents
The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, announced by the Federal Communications Commission, will help libraries purchase laptops, Wi-Fi hot spots and more for patrons.
Cybersecurity
37 Defense Industrial Base Companies Affected by SolarWinds Intrusion
A defense official told lawmakers the department’s CMMC program likely wouldn’t have guaranteed successful prevention of the SolarWinds breach.
People
OPM tells agencies they may set up labor-management relation forums
A Trump executive order rolling back requirements for labor-management relations forums is under review, according to new guidance from the Office of Personnel Management.
Cybersecurity
House Panel Passes Bill to Explore Bringing State and Local Cybersecurity Workers into CISA
The Homeland Security Committee cleared several bills to address cybersecurity following the attack on Colonial Pipeline.
Cybersecurity
House advances cybersecurity bills in wake of pipeline company hack
Following a week filled with a devastating ransomware attack and a massive executive order to strengthen the federal government's networks, a House panel on Tuesday advanced several bills largely aimed at DHS and CISA.
Modernization
Federal CIO Says New IT Modernization Plan In the Works
The Biden administration will outline exactly what it “stands for” when it comes to IT delivery in government, Federal CIO Clare Martorana said.
Ideas
Paying People to Get Vaccinated Might Work – But Is It Ethical?
In the United States, incentives and disincentives are already used in health care.
Cybersecurity
Would CMMC compliance block a SolarWinds-style attack?
At a Senate hearing on Defense Department cybersecurity, lawmakers wanted to know whether a program aimed at hardening the security of the defense industrial base would thwart supply chain attacks.
Artificial Intelligence
NASA’s Modern Missions Lean on Emerging Tech
The agency’s CDO reflected on how AI, machine learning and automation are being increasingly operationalized.
Digital Government