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

None

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.

Cybersecurity

Cyber czar, CISA subpoenas included in must-pass defense bill

Lawmakers are poised to vote on a defense policy bill that would advance dozens of recommendations made by a cyberspace commission.

Acquisition

New law enshrines modernization Centers of Excellence effort

President Trump signed a bipartisan bill that codifies the Centers of Excellence program as way to seed and launch IT and business process modernization efforts at federal agencies.

Digital Government

How Dozens of Trump’s Political Appointees Will Stay in Government After Biden Takes Over

Documents show that officials appointed by Trump who’d otherwise lose their jobs under Biden have been approved for permanent positions in federal agencies.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: Dec. 4

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits

None