Ideas

Beeple, Meet CPARS

Forget art. What if agencies used non-fungible tokens for reporting contractor performance?

Emerging Tech

Senators Introduce Bill to Increase U.S. Influence on Tech Standards-Setting Processes

The bill would create an Office of Science and Technology task force to come up with a strategy for increasing participation in standards settings bodies and counter China’s sway.

Ideas

Exoskeleton Cloud One Day Boost Walking Speed of Older Adults

Being unable to walk quickly can be frustrating and problematic, but it is a common issue, especially as people age.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: May 3, 2021

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits

None

Acquisition

This year's Sammies includes a special COVID response category

Partnership for Public Service announced the 29 finalists for its annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals.

Ideas

Post-vaccination Inertia Is Real

Readjusting our ideas about what’s safe is going to take time.

Digital Government

Pentagon’s New Leadership Accelerating Data-Centric Efforts

Chief Data Officer David Spirk said the deputy secretary of defense is providing “direct support” as they work through data decrees and open standards. 

Cybersecurity

NSA to Defense Sector: Think Twice Before Connecting Operational Technology to the Internet

The agency recognized benefits such as enabling remote work but notes the inherent risks and costs of putting industrial control system components online.

Emerging Tech

VA Explores Potential Future Emerging Technology-Centered Acquisitions

The agency is looking for more information about applying immersive technologies, blockchain, edge computing and other innovations to clinical care, data products and training.

Digital Government

Administration Formally Launches Program Giving Feds Up to 15 Weeks Off for COVID-19 Related Illness, Child Care

Congress created a $570 million fund for the initiative, and once that runs out, workers will have to take personal leave or leave without pay.

Ideas

What Texas Power Outages Can Teach Us About Securing the Electric Grid

Cyber threats have the potential to impact the power grid in a similarly serious manner.

People

OMB job satisfaction scores plummeted in 2020

Almost 40% of OMB survey participants choose strongly disagree when presented with the statement, "my organization's senior leaders maintain high standards for honesty and integrity."

Ideas

Your Brain Responds to Happy Screams Faster than Fearful Ones

A study revealed six emotionally distinct types of these calls indicating pain, anger, fear, pleasure, sadness and joy.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

None

Digital Government

FCW Insider: April 30, 2021

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

Digital Government

Federal Employees Sing Telework’s Praises, Want to Continue After the Pandemic

Survey results show those who have been doing their jobs remotely are happier and feel they are just as productive. 

Cybersecurity

Homeland Security Secretary Backs Call for Mandatory Disclosure of Ransomware Payments

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the department will work with a task force developed by the private sector on ways to tamp down the increase in ransomware attacks. 

Emerging Tech

Army Researchers Examine Soldiers’ Brain and Muscle Responses to Smart ‘ExoBoot’ 

One of the end goals is to cut down on training time soldiers need to get acclimated with assistive, wearable technologies. 

People

OPM details pandemic emergency paid leave program

This special leave will be available through the end of the fiscal year or until the $570 million fund is exhausted, OPM documents say.