Digital Government
FCW Insider: March 24, 2021
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Cybersecurity
New Software Vendor Standards Coming Within Weeks, CISA Head Says
The White House is leading an interagency effort focused on software development that will determine federal procurement of information technology.
Modernization
Deputy Federal CIO on Fate of Trump-era IT Policies
The Office of American Innovation, Cloud Smart and the Federal Reskilling Academy are some of Trump-era tech policies left behind. Now the Biden team must decide what to do with them.
Digital Government
Dems press on federal role in UI tech modernization
The Labor Department recently got $2 billion for the administrative costs of unemployment insurance delivery. Democratic Lawmakers have a plan for how the agency should use it.
Modernization
How DISA Is Shifting to DEOS Cloud Tools as Interim Telework Solutions Sunset
DISA’s program director for the enterprisewide collaboration tools contract said the agency is creating a guide for other components to ease migration, including navigating security levels.
Modernization
GAO warns on cyber risks to power grid
The country's electrical systems are increasingly susceptible to cyberattacks, according to government auditors, and there is uncertainty about the extent to which a localized attack might cascade through power distribution systems.
Digital Government
Fight over defense dollars looms in House
The House Armed Services Committee's top Republican, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), is pushing for a 3% to 5% increase in the topline 2022 defense budget and wants education and training for cybersecurity and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to top the panel's agenda.
People
A career fed does a stint at USDS
Steve Kelman checks in with procurement innovator and past Fed 100 winner Mark Junda on his latest chapter.
Ideas
Without Threat Intelligence, AI is Just a Buzzword
Smart threat intelligence starts with good data.
Podcasts
Critical Update: Disrupting Gene Editing
The CRISPR Cas 9 tool shook up the gene-editing space, leading to new possibilities, risks and questions about who and how the technology should be used.
Ideas
Why Can't the IRS Just Send Americans a Refund – or a Bill?
At least 30 countries permit return-free filing, including Denmark, Sweden, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: March 23, 2021
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Cybersecurity
CISA Will Use New Authority Over Internet Service Providers to Fight Ransomware, Official Says
Acting CISA Director Brandon Wales praised the government’s coordination absent a national cyber director.
Emerging Tech
Watchdog Says Software Development Issues May Force F-35 Delay
The Government Accountability Office found the Defense Department’s current modernization schedule “is not rooted in reality.”
Emerging Tech
Health Agencies Seek Face Mask Designs of the Future
Federal officials want innovators to reimagine the protective products.
Digital Government
Court ruling adds to agencies' burden of proof for firing feds
The appeals court ruling changes decades of precedent to require agencies to justify the placement of an employee on a performance improvement plan in the event that they appeal their removal.
Modernization
IRS Offers First Look at $2.6B Contract Touching All Its IT Systems
The new Enterprise Development, Operations Services contract will include developing new systems and improving the efficiency of existing applications.
Ideas