Digital Government

See Which Agencies Are Bringing Employees Back to the Office

As states lift stay-home orders, many federal offices are reopening. Here is a roundup.

Modernization

FCC Proposes $225 Million Fine for Telemarketers Behind Massive Robocall Operation

The automated calls misled those who answered into thinking they were from major health insurance providers.

Modernization

DOD, GSA to Rethink $8B DEOS Cloud Contract—Again

In the works since 2018, the Pentagon’s Defense Enterprise Office Solutions contract remains on hold.

Emerging Tech

DHS Wants to Know What the Public Thinks About Using Drones During Emergencies

A forthcoming survey will ask people about their knowledge of unmanned aerial systems and how they are used, and their opinions on the ethical implications.

Acquisition

‘COVID penalty’ could cost Pentagon at least $10 billion in contractor claims

Ellen Lord, the Defense Department’s chief buyer, told Congress that defense companies coronavirus relief claims could cost upwards of $10 billion.

Digital Government

Federal Chief Data Officers Council Names First Chairman

The Agriculture Department’s data lead will take the reins of the new governmentwide council as agencies tick items off their data to-do lists.

Artificial Intelligence

USPTO is Looking to Hire a Senior-Level Emerging Technology Expert

CIO Jamie Holcombe said the official will support efforts to scale artificial intelligence, robotic process automation and more.

People

Fired State Department IG cites 'bullying' from senior officials

Steve Linick told lawmakers that he didn't know why he was dismissed from his post, but many Democrats say investigations of Secretary Mike Pompeo played a role.

Ideas

Chatbots: The New Government Official in the Fight Against Coronavirus

Even though there’s a deluge of questions from thousands of people, many of these questions are the same.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers want answers on Juniper backdoors

Members of Congress are pressing Juniper's CEO for details of an internal probe into how modified code for a compromised NSA encryption algorithm wound up in the company's firewall products.

Modernization

DOD's $7.6B cloud email buy heads for redo

Less than a week before a final protest ruling was due, the Defense Information Systems Agency and the General Services Administration are taking another corrective action in their big business software buy for DOD.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: June 10

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Emerging Tech

Policing Reform Bill Would Prohibit Embedding Facial Recognition in Body Cameras

The Justice in Policing Act contains several restrictions on the use of facial biometric technologies for federal, state and local law enforcement.

Acquisition

Air Force acquisition chief wants to reshape defense industrial base

Will Roper, the Air Force's acquisition chief, said the goal is to pivot away from the defense prime model and create a new industrial base that more easily allows tech companies to work with DOD and the commercial sector.

Cybersecurity

Union wins court case on bargaining rules

A federal judge ruled that the Federal Labor Relations Authority went too far in enforcing new working conditions at Customs and Border Protection.

Digital Government

GAO Provides Inspector General Reform Guidance to Congress

Among many recommendations, the Congressional watchdog suggested IGs only be removed for just cause.

Digital Government

Mapping the PPE supply chain

Ninety days after the COVID-19 emergency declaration, a Senate panel examined how U.S. responders are managing procurement and delivery of needed supplies.