Digital Government

COVID-19 constraints delay needed CMMC rule change

Social distancing requirements have delayed the public hearing needed for a rule change to enforce new cybersecurity standards for contractors.

Modernization

In COVID relief, lawmakers look to help states with legacy IT

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging House leaders to include funding for states to modernize their technology infrastructure with an eye to a cloud-first approach, shared services that deliver functionality to cities and towns and some oversight of state technology plans as a condition of receiving funding.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

None

Digital Government

FCW Insider: May 11

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

Cybersecurity

CISA Flags False Statements from China in COVID-19 Disinformation Warning

The agency also cautioned against dangerous suggestions—such as ingesting bleach—as cures for the disease.  

Ideas

The U.S. Military Has Officially Published Three UFO Videos. Why Doesn't Anybody Seem to Care?

This is the first time the Pentagon has publicly confirmed the authenticity of UFO footage.

Artificial Intelligence

Pentagon Wants Better Data For Its Predictive Aircraft Maintenance AI

The Pentagon’s AI center is looking to break through past challenges it has faced advancing predictive maintenance among select aircraft.

Cybersecurity

ODNI shakes up cyber structure

A consolidation of the cyber offices at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence is just one piece of a sweeping re-org announced by the spy agency late Friday that includes the elimination of one of four directorates.

Acquisition

DIU chief: Earnings focus thwarts innovation

The head of DOD's Defense Innovation Unit suggested that any technology race with China commands a dramatic shift in U.S. market strategies.

Digital Government

Decisions To Reopen GSA Regional Offices Will Be Made At the Local Level

The agency’s open floorplans and other concerns make it difficult to reopen offices, but GSA’s telework culture has kept operations running smoothly, according to an agency official.

Artificial Intelligence

COVID-19 Is Accelerating Trends in the U.S.-China Relationship

Economic analysts see a closing window for U.S. policymakers to engage with Chinese counterparts on areas of mutual interest and benefit.

Emerging Tech

National Lab Scientists Work to Reprogram Genes to Fight COVID-19

Using CRISPR, Sandia National Lab researchers are genetically engineering antiviral countermeasures to fight the coronavirus—and potentially future outbreaks.

Digital Government

House Legislation Would Protect Feds’ Unused Leave During Coronavirus Pandemic

Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., has introduced a bill that would ensure that federal workers who are unable to take a vacation due to the COVID-19 outbreak will not lose their paid leave.

People

House bill would protect unused leave during COVID-19

A bill from Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) would make sure that feds won't forfeit unused annual leave.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: May 8

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits

None

Modernization

Amazon Files Another Protest Over JEDI Contract 

Microsoft responds by blasting Amazon Web Services for trying to force a do-over for the multibillion-dollar cloud contract.

Cybersecurity

Survey Suggests Businesses are Overconfident About Their Security During COVID-19

Hackers and scammers are capitalizing on increased online activity during the novel coronavirus pandemic but security officials don’t seem worried.

Modernization

Centers of Excellence Team With Another Health Agency Amid Pandemic

FDA became the fourth agency in 2020 to join the Centers of Excellence program; ninth overall.

Emerging Tech

Big Tech and Aviation Companies to Set Standards For New Drone-Tracking System

The eight vendors will set the technology standards for FAA’s Remote ID program to track drones and their operators.