Digital Government

GSA’s Central Procurement Hub Will Lose the ‘Beta’ in April

The legacy SAM.gov will be shuttered and all the capabilities will be folded into the new SAM.gov, which currently goes by beta.SAM.gov.

Ideas

To Protect Research Subjects, Account for the Internet

When today’s scientists design experiments, they most often refer to ethical guidelines written decades ago.

Cybersecurity

NSA warns on Russian hackers stealing data through VMware flaw

The National Security Agency says a vulnerability in a software used by federal agencies is being exploited by Russia-sponsored actors.

Modernization

Microsoft to launch top secret cloud

The company is waiting on government accreditation for the new top secret regions.

Ideas

As the Pandemic Rages, the U.S. Could Use a Little Bit More 'Samfundssind'

In English, it roughly translates to community spirit, civic engagement or civic-mindedness.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Digital Government

FCW Insider: Dec. 7

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

Ideas

What Are Emergency Use Authorizations, and Do They Guarantee that a Vaccine or Drug Is Safe?

The first time the FDA issued an EUA was in 2005 for an anthrax vaccine, but just for military personnel.

Ideas

I'm an Astronomer and I Think Aliens May Be Out There – but UFO Sightings Aren't Persuasive

Belief in alien visitation is greater than belief that Bigfoot is a real creature.

Emerging Tech

Robotic Surgeries Are Changing the Game Inside One VA Facility

More than 60 robotics-boosted surgical procedures were performed since March—and the program will likely expand in the next year.

Modernization

Bipartisan Cadre of Lawmakers Call for Permanent Telehealth Expansion

Telehealth has proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than four dozen lawmakers want to see maximized moving forward.

Cybersecurity

CISA Warns of Iran’s Offensive Cyber Capabilities

One observer suggests the alert is meant more for the adversary than defenders.

Modernization

DISA Set to Release $11.7 Billion IT Contract Imminently

The Defense Enclave Services contract was originally projected to be bid out at the end of September. 

Ideas

How TikTok Is Upending Workplace Social Media Policies – and Giving Us Rebel Nurses and Dancing Cops

Even the most innocuous videos likely violate standard corporate social media policies.

People

Congress axes CMO office in 2021 defense bill

The Defense Department’s third top position will get eliminated after just two years in existence, according to language in the final version of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

People

Gender pay gap persists in the federal workforce

Incomplete data on promotion by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission limit the ability of agencies to ensure equal opportunity for promotions across gender, race and ethnicity, the report says.

Ideas

Artificial Intelligence in Government and the Presidential Transition: Building on a Solid Foundation

Here are the key steps that the incoming Biden administration should take to make the federal government AI-ready.