Modernization
GAO: Only 2 of the 10 Most Critical Legacy IT Systems Have Full Modernization Plans
The federal watchdog warned that eight of the most important mission-critical modernization efforts could fail without sufficient, documented plans.
People
Boosting student loan debt forgiveness could pay off for cyber recruiting
Almost all Defense Department personnel who have sought student loan debt forgiveness have been denied -- a trend that, if unchanged, could make it even harder to recruit and retain tech talent.
People
Senate defense committee delays NDAA markup
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), chairman for the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that the committee would delay marking up the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act due to "uncertainty" in White House budget delivery.
Cybersecurity
Mayorkas: DHS running ransomware task force, White House plan coming
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday said his agency plans to take up the recommendations from a new report focused on combating ransomware and that the White House is developing its own plan to confront the growing cybersecurity threat.
Modernization
Air Force to Field Kessel Run Command and Control Product
The service wants feedback on a suite of tools called Kessel Run All Domain Operations Suite, or KRADOS, to continue developing it.
Modernization
$2.1 billion in UI modernization comes with oversight
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh told a panel of House Appropriators that the agency's planned $2.1 billion investment in state unemployment systems needs oversight and monitoring, and metrics for measuring success.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers Consider the National Science Foundation’s Future
Federal leaders made their cases for increased funding into research and continued focus on technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Digital Government
Biden Nominee for Pentagon Weapons Buyer Under Investigation
Inspector General complaint alleges DIU Director Michael Brown’s agency used federal hiring tools to hire friends, but office says it’s competing for talent.
Ideas
To Future-Proof the American Economy, We Need 5 Million Digital Jobs in 5 Years
The challenge isn’t having enough workers to fill these roles: It’s that available workers aren’t trained in these high-demand areas.
Ideas
Space Tourism – 20 Years in the Making – Is Finally Ready for Launch
With companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin hoping to build a future for humanity in space, space tourism is a way to demonstrate both the safety and reliability of space travel to the general public.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: April 29, 2021
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Digital Government
Biden Again Pitches Expanded Federal Research Investments to Keep U.S. Competitive
“China and other countries are closing in fast,” the president said during his first Congressional address.
Cybersecurity
Feds Eliminate Fee for '.Gov' Web Addresses
Smaller localities in particular have said that the $400 annual cost was a barrier to adopting the government-specific URL.
Modernization
Court to Explore Whether Trump Administration Interfered in JEDI Cloud Contract
The Defense Department previously said lengthy litigation could bring the contract’s future into question.
Cybersecurity
White House Endorses Inclusion of Cybersecurity in Water Infrastructure Bill
A recent attempt by hackers to poison the water supply in a Florida town prompted calls for more resources.
People
Biden taps D.C. employment lawyer to lead MSPB
The Merit Systems Protection Board has been without Senate-confirmed leadership since March 2019 and without a quorum to decide appeals since January 2017.
Cybersecurity
In Wake of Recent Breaches, FAA Wants to Up Cybersecurity of National Airspace System
The agency aims to be "more aggressive" in searching for network protections.
Emerging Tech
Army Officials Tout Flexible, Fast Acquisition Authorities as Keys to AR Headset Program
Army officials called the development of the headsets a “success story” for overcoming DOD’s valley of death.
Modernization