People

Bill to modernize Plum Book clears Senate committee

The measure looks to require more frequent updates of the directory of political appointees.

Digital Government

Senate Voices Privacy Concerns Over Contact Tracing

Experts were gathered in front of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection to testify on scams. But data privacy concerns bubbled over.

People

House-passed NDAA expands paid leave benefit to excluded feds

Title 38 employees, such as workers at the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Federal Aviation Administration were not included in the bill that established the benefit.

Modernization

As Huawei ban looms, waivers are an option

Waivers for a looming federal rule prohibiting agencies from signing new contracts with companies that use a list of Chinese-made communications gear are only a temporary fix, says one expert.

Emerging Tech

U.S. Marine Corps, Verizon Launch ‘Living Lab’ to Test 5G

Officials will explore defense applications of the maturing technology on a military base in California.

Ideas

Combatting Mobile Threats in a New Reality

Security starts with users understanding what types of attacks they will encounter and how to manage them.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Digital Government

FCW Insider: July 22

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

Cybersecurity

How Your Local Election Clerk Is Fighting Global Disinformation

Russians don’t have to change votes. They can change minds.

Cybersecurity

White House Cites Intel Sharing Efforts in NDAA Veto Threat

The related provisions would implement major recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. 

Ideas

Leading the Intelligence Community After 2020’s Upheavals

Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe should consider new approaches to four vital functions that support the IC’s core missions.

Emerging Tech

White House, NSF Invest $75 Million to Launch Three Quantum Innovation Institutes

Each center will focus on innovating a different area of quantum information science and all will aim to help develop a talent pipeline.

Cybersecurity

Two Chinese Nationals Indicted for Stealing Trade Secrets, Coronavirus Research

Federal prosecutors allege the pair hacked into corporations and research institutions on behalf of the Chinese government.

Modernization

Army re-orgs tech directorate

The Army has a new strategic operations directorate under the department's management office, an organization said to be a "precursor" to the upcoming CIO reorganization.

Modernization

IRS Launches New Enterprise Digitalization Office

The co-led office merges and elevates existing projects focused on digitizing processes and getting away from paper-based case management.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers ask DHS leaders to postpone USCIS furloughs

The immigration agency is now set to end FY2020 with surplus, and two Senate appropriators are asking for a pause on furloughs while Congress negotiates supplemental funding to offset 2021 shortfalls.

Modernization

Former TTS Director Lands Job With IT Services Company

Anil Cheriyan left GSA’s tech incubator this month to take a job in the private sector.

Ideas

Cyber Hygiene is the Key to CMMC Compliance Preparedness

The challenge is that many contractors don’t have full visibility into their organization’s network and security.

Acquisition

OMB says fourth quarter spending spree can help boost economy

The director of the Office of Management and Budget reminded agencies to keep category management, acquisition flexibilities and quick vendor payments in mind during the upcoming busy fourth quarter federal buying season.

Cybersecurity

House passes NDAA with TikTok ban

The House of Representatives passed a defense bill for 2021 that authorizes $731.6 billion in defense spending, includes cyber, workforce, acquisition provisions and a ban on the popular social media app Tik Tok on government equipment.