People
White House lays out plans to open agencies, move off telework
In a new document, the federal government explains plans to align a reopening of all federal agency functions and a return to in-person work with national guidelines promulgated by the White House and health officials on bringing back a state of normalcy when a decline in the COVID-19 pandemic occurs.
Digital Government
Deputy Defense CIO to Retire; Intelligence Community CIO to Step In
Essye Miller, who served temporarily as acting Defense CIO, plans to retire after 35 years supporting military technology.
Digital Government
States Start Hiring Battalions of Contact Tracers to Track Covid-19
As governors look to loosen coronavirus restrictions, a key benchmark will be improving the ability to track and isolate new cases. That will include more “contact tracers,” investigators who track down those who’ve come in contact with infected people.
Cybersecurity
The federal government's identity crisis
For decades, PIV and CAC cards have been the primary tools for agencies and contractors to verify the identity of employees and contractors. The COVID-19 outbreak could change that.
Modernization
VA to Distribute Thousands of Facebook Portals to Vets and Caregivers in Isolation
The devices will be distributed in pairs to connect qualifying veterans and caregivers during the pandemic.
Cybersecurity
Essye Miller to retire as DOD principal deputy CIO
The intelligence community’s CIO, John Sherman, will step in to the post of Defense Department’s principal deputy CIO in June.
People
Why right now is the most challenging time in history for government CIOs
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented CIOs at all levels of government with unprecedented challenges to respond to the critical needs of the country.
Ideas
We Need Mission-focused Risk Management Programs to Adapt to Changing Circumstances
In the midst of a global pandemic, it is more important than ever to know which systems are critical to our operations.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: April 20
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Digital Government
Trump Administration Releases Guidance to Clarify Coronavirus Relief Act’s Contracting Provisions
Agencies can use CARES Act funds to reimburse contractors from March 27 to September 30, 2020.
People
VA medical staff push for more PPE, agency bill of rights
As more patients and staffers contract coronavirus infections, employees are seeking more personal protective equipment, collaboration with management and hazard pay.
Emerging Tech
How a Slice of Spectrum Split the U.S. Government
The head of the Federal Communications Commission wants to allow a satellite company access in the interest of 5G despite objections from Defense, Commerce and other departments and agencies.
Modernization
New App Uses QR Codes to Trace Coronavirus Exposure
A free, open-source smartphone app permits contact tracing for potential coronavirus infections while preserving privacy.
Modernization
Judge Grants Pentagon’s Request for Corrective Action on JEDI Cloud Contract
The Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract could be on hold for up to four months as the Pentagon reconsiders aspects of it.
Modernization
Judge gives DOD the chance for a second look at some aspects of the JEDI award
The Pentagon is getting the chance for a do-over of some aspects of its controversial $10 billion cloud award to Microsoft.
Ideas
Hackers Can Access Your Mobile and Laptop Cameras and Record You—Cover Them Up Now
A little black tape can do in a pinch.
Emerging Tech
What’s Wrong With the Air Force’s ‘Connect Everything’ Project
In a new report, GAO watchdogs say officials can’t say how much it costs or if it’ll even work
Emerging Tech
Medical Consortium Aims to Create Network of Virtual Critical Care Wards
The group seeks to support patients in need of critical care in hospitals and other ad-hoc locations using cloud-based communication technology.
Emerging Tech
Energy Department Considers New Partnership to Bring Star Power to Earth
The federal government wants to put money directly in industry’s hands to bring the concept of fusion reactors from sci-fi to reality.
People