Digital Government

Quick Hits

None

Modernization

Libraries Eligible for Billions in Federal Funding to Improve Connectivity for Residents

The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, announced by the Federal Communications Commission, will help libraries purchase laptops, Wi-Fi hot spots and more for patrons.

Cybersecurity

37 Defense Industrial Base Companies Affected by SolarWinds Intrusion

A defense official told lawmakers the department’s CMMC program likely wouldn’t have guaranteed successful prevention of the SolarWinds breach.

People

OPM tells agencies they may set up labor-management relation forums

A Trump executive order rolling back requirements for labor-management relations forums is under review, according to new guidance from the Office of Personnel Management.

Cybersecurity

House Panel Passes Bill to Explore Bringing State and Local Cybersecurity Workers into CISA

The Homeland Security Committee cleared several bills to address cybersecurity following the attack on Colonial Pipeline.

Cybersecurity

House advances cybersecurity bills in wake of pipeline company hack

Following a week filled with a devastating ransomware attack and a massive executive order to strengthen the federal government's networks, a House panel on Tuesday advanced several bills largely aimed at DHS and CISA.

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

None

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.