Modernization

How Peer-to-Peer Texting Could Play a Role in Disaster and Pandemic Response

RumbleUp, an app previously tapped by Republican campaigns, is now available through FirstNet.

Modernization

VA Wants a Veteran-Owned Business to Upgrade Wichita Facility’s IT Ahead of Health Records Rollout

The deployment of Veterans Affairs’ new electronic health record program has been on hold while the agency deals with COVID-19 but the agency wants to get Wichita’s infrastructure ready to roll.

Cybersecurity

House Oversight Lawmaker Wants Apple, Google to Step Up Security on Apps With Foreign Ties

Rep. Stephen Lynch seeks commitments from the tech giants to be more transparent about applications on their stores.

Digital Government

House panel advances FY2021 DOD spending bill

The House Appropriations Committee passed its 2021 defense spending bill along party lines, 30-22, including funding for COVID-19 procurement and support for cyber workforce recruitment.

Cybersecurity

NDAA process is now loaded with Solarium cyber amendments

Much of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission's agenda is being pushed into this year's defense authorization process, including its crown jewel idea of a national cyber director.

People

Kent leaves solid legacy

In 30 months as federal CIO, Suzette Kent make a lasting impact on the government's cloud, data, cybersecurity and emerging tech efforts.

Cybersecurity

Congressman Plans to Propose Cyber Director Amendment to NDAA

Testimony at a hearing of the House Oversight Committee will look to drive home the case for the proposal.

Ideas

Contact Tracing Starts with Clean Data

Regardless of how information is gathered, the scale is immense, as is the problem of data accuracy.

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

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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.