Digital Government
Former CIO urges lawmakers to relax TMF paybacks
The $1 billion boost to the Technology Modernization Fund can help agencies, but some changes to strict payback rules will help CIO shops get started on much-needed modernization.
Acquisition
Biden orders $15 minimum wage for federal contractors
The new minimum wage is set to take effect in early 2022. Agencies will have to include the $15 wage floor in any new contract solicitations starting on January 30, 2022 and have this minimum wage in new contracts by March 30, 2022.
Digital Government
GSA’s 10x Will Test 22 Innovative Ideas Suggested by Federal Employees
The government’s internal process and tech suggestion box received 250 project proposals.
Digital Government
Feds’ Engagement and Job Satisfaction Rises Despite—or Because of—Pandemic
Officials who administered the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey warned against making sweeping conclusions about the 2020 results, due to changes in the survey's timing and some of its content.
Ideas
Jumpstarting Federal IT Modernization in the New Administration
Agencies should start by selecting the applications most appropriate for modernization and creating an architecture where legacy and modern systems can co-exist.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: April 27, 2021
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Digital Government
What Federal Employees Need to Know About Evolving Marijuana Laws
New policies don’t mean federal workers should rush to their local dispensary, and national security leaders in particular are urging caution.
Cybersecurity
Senators Introduce Fresh Slate of Cybersecurity-Centered Bills
A couple would codify recommendations made by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
Digital Government
Treasury IG Details IRS’ COVID-19-Related Customer Experience Issues
Millions of taxpayers have had a hard time reaching the IRS during the pandemic.
Digital Government
Audit Finds Inconsistencies in How DOD Buys through Consortia
The Defense Department Office of Inspector General unveiled problems with other transaction agreements including tracking, security, fee negotiation and training.
Ideas
The FBI Is Breaking into Corporate Computers to Remove Malicious Code – Smart Cyber Defense or Government Overreach
The actions raise questions about the power of courts to regulate cybersecurity without the consent of the owners of the targeted computers.
Cybersecurity
New bill would task CISA with infrastructure risk assessments
A new Senate bill would mandate the Department of Homeland Security continually reassess risks to critical infrastructure and that the White House provide a report to lawmakers outlining what legislative steps should be taken to mitigate potential problems.
Cybersecurity
Federal Agencies Detail Russian Tactics Used in Recent Cyber Intrusions
The FBI, Homeland Security Department and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an alert on Russian government cyber tradecraft and mitigation techniques for targets.
Ideas
Health Modernization: Core IT Must Keep Up with Clinical Innovation
Updating old systems allow defense health officials a chance to consider new approaches to the processes, platforms and skill sets that could drive better outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence
A Better Way to Spot Deep-Faked Satellite Images
Training AIs to look at 26 subtle features may help thwart attempts to peddle fraudulent imagery.
People
Federal employee job satisfaction climbed during pandemic
The survey documents the rapid change to teleworking postures in government under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acquisition
Consortium OTAs suffer from lack of guidance, data, IG finds
The Defense Department's internal watchdog found a lack of data on other transaction awards made through consortiums.
Ideas
Is 1 Vaccines Dose Enough If You've Had COVID-19?
Researchers found that those who did not have COVID-19—called COVID naïve—did not have a full immune response until after receiving their second vaccine dose.
Digital Government