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

CIA’s Last Classified Fax Machines Are About to Retire

A secure email system dubbed Gray Magic will replace the legendary analog technology.

Ideas

The New Space Race Will Be Run by Robots

Given the risks of space travel versus the potential rewards, it seems like robots are better suited for this role than humans.

Acquisition

Some 'kind engineers' who have gravitated to government contracting

Steve Kelman checks in with another non-traditional IT contractor, and explores what attracted them to the market.

Ideas

Why Do We Hate the Sound of Our Own Voices?

The discomfort we have over hearing our voices in audio recordings is probably due to a mix of physiology and psychology.

Modernization

Senate Bill Would Improve Rural Broadband Investment

The bipartisan legislation would give local and state governments new financing options for broadband projects.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Digital Government

FCW Insider: May 19, 2021

The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.

Ideas

If a Satellite Falls on Your House, Space Law Protects You – but There Are No Legal Penalties for Leaving Junk in Orbit

Looking at environmental law here on Earth may give some ideas on how to improve the current legal regime with respect to space debris.

Artificial Intelligence

Bill to Address Chip Shortage Is Only the Beginning, Senator Says

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said more legislation is necessary to keep pace with adversaries.

People

GOP rep wants feds back in the office

Rep. Jody Hice, the top Republican on the House Subcommittee on Government Operations, says that recent CDC guidance on masks, vaccination and social distancing means that it's time for the federal government to move away from the emergency pandemic footing.

Emerging Tech

FTC Data Captures Record Surge in Cryptocurrency Scams

An official explained how “there are at least a couple of things in play” that are contributing to the highs.

Acquisition

Is it time to test the limits -- and potential -- of expanding CMMC?

Calls for a certified baseline of cybersecurity seem to increase with every cyberattack. Is the CMMC model the right template for a universal and independently verifiable way to protect supply chains?

Digital Government

Democratic Lawmakers Urge Biden to Act on Gender-Neutral Federal IDs

The administration promised to allow nonbinary and intersex people to get passports that reflect their gender identities. Rep. Ro Khanna told The 19th an executive order is a “good first step.”

Digital Government

FCC Creates Public Database to Track Compliance with New Robocall-Killing Program

Telephone service providers must implement the new STIR/SHAKEN framework by the end of June and certify compliance in a new publicly available database.