Digital Government

House Lawmakers Call for Pay Parity Between Military and Civilian Federal Workers

Although the House version of a defense policy bill includes a 3% pay increase for members of the military in 2021, an appropriations bill under consideration effectively endorses only a 1% raise for civilians.

Modernization

Coronavirus ‘Shattered the Myth’ that the Defense Workforce Can’t Telework, Official Says

Two Defense Department officials discussed lessons learned from the pandemic with an eye toward a post-coronavirus environment.

Digital Government

U.S. Chief Technology Officer to Serve as One of the Pentagon's Top Tech Officials

The new acting head of defense research and engineering comes from the White House with a relatively light resume.

Modernization

Secure and rapid modernization takes innovation from all sides

As the past few months have shown, close collaboration and aggressive sharing of lessons learned can pay big dividends.

People

DOD CMO boasts $11B in savings as Congress moves to cut position

The Defense Department has saved $11 billion in the past two years thanks to reform efforts, said Lisa Hershman, DOD's chief management officer.

Acquisition

Agencies improving contracting forecasts

Second survey of dozens of federal agencies shows they’re improving their contracting forecast data making it easier for contractors to follow, according to contracting group.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: July 14

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits: July 14

None

Ideas

Airlines Got Travelers Comfortable about Flying Again Once Before – but 9/11 and a Virus Are a Lot Different

Today, fares are at rock bottom, but Americans’ fear of flying may be the highest it’s ever been.

Digital Government

House Appropriations keeps moving on FY21 funding billls

Appropriation for the Departments of Education, Labor and Health and Human Services clears committee, includes emergency funding for state unemployment programs.

Digital Government

Key Lawmaker Alarmed at Increase in COVID-19 Among DHS Employees

The Secret Service alone has seen a 1,000% increase in positive COVID-19 cases, according to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Digital Government

Customs to Expand License Plate Reading Program Nationwide

Customs will have access to commercial datasets including license plate images and data from parking garages, toll booth cameras and financial institutions, as well as local governments and law enforcement.

Modernization

One-Third of U.S. Workers Want Permanent Remote Work

A new Morning Consult survey finds many workers would like to continue working from home after the coronavirus pandemic recedes and some would likely move to a new city or state if remote work becomes permanent.

Cybersecurity

Deadline looms for contractors to ditch banned Chinese equipment

A broad federal prohibition on contractors that use gear from a host of Chinese tech makers goes into effect in mid-August.

People

House members push 3% pay raise for civilian federal workers

Citing pay parity and COVID-19 resiliency, lawmakers urge Appropriations Committee to rethink planned 1% increase.

Modernization

WH CTO to take over DOD's top research role

Defense Secretary Mark Esper names U.S. CTO Michael Kratsios to be acting undersecretary of defense for research and engineering after Michael Griffin's resignation from that post took effect July 10.

Cybersecurity

The Defense Bill Could Rewrite How the US Does Cyber Defense

A proposed new office would help private entities and the government respond together to major hacks.