Cybersecurity
House Dems seek $400 million to help states deal with cyber threats during COVID-19
The request for new funding comes as state and local governments face an spike in ransomware attacks.
Digital Government
Spike in Federal COVID-19 Spending Flattens as Total Nears $3B
A separate analysis shows some IT modernization efforts booming while others are put on hold during the pandemic.
Emerging Tech
Lawrence Livermore Looks to Industry to Commercialize New Ventilator Prototype
It all came together through a “skunkworks effort” to address the national shortage.
Cybersecurity
Federal vacancies hamper government response to COVID-19, groups allege
Government oversight experts and advocacy groups say Senate leaders should withhold cooperation until vacancies are filled.
Modernization
Pentagon IG Can’t Rule Out White House Influence on JEDI Cloud Contract
A 300-page IG investigation reveals multiple ethics violations and refusal by Defense Department General Counsel to let senior officials comment on communications with the White House.
People
OPM lifts caps on hazard pay for COVID-19
Government employees who are considered essential frontline workers could receive extra pay during the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidance from the Office of Personnel Management.
Modernization
DOD watchdog can't prove White House interference in $10B JEDI award
An oversight report found several missteps and cases of ethical misconduct, but could not substantiate allegations of White House interference in the award of the $10 billion Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract to Microsoft.
Ideas
Why Is It So Hard to Stop COVID-19 Misinformation Spreading on Social Media?
In a joint statement, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube have pledged to work together to combat misinformation.
Acquisition
Procurement challenges step up to the COVID-19 plate
Steve Kelman spotlights another example of how non-traditional acquisition models can encourage innovation.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: April 15
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Cybersecurity
GAO to Pentagon: Practice the Cyber Policies You Preach
The Defense Department has yet to fully implement multiple initiatives to improve basic cyber hygiene.
Cybersecurity
Hospital Hackers Seize Upon Coronavirus Pandemic
“We have become easy targets,” a hospital deputy administrator said.
Emerging Tech
NIH, FDA and VA 3D-Printing Collaboration Turns to Ventilator Parts
So far, about a dozen designs for personal protective gear have gotten the OK for clinical use.
Cybersecurity
New Leader of IT Sector Coordinating Council Wants Alignment on Key CISA Initiative
The new chairman of the Information Technology Sector Coordinating Council aims to be more involved in the agency’s work to protect industrial control systems.
Digital Government
Survey: Nearly Half of U.S. Employees Feeling Burnt Out
Though many Americans have lost their jobs, one in four remaining employees said COVID-19 has added stress to their lives.
People
DOD's telework surge could be permanent
A new emphasis on telework at the Defense Department in response to the COVID-19 pandemic could change work culture at the Pentagon, officials said.
Digital Government
Coronavirus Response 'Likely' to Lead to IRS Backlogs, IG Says
Outstanding cases have already spiked due to shutdown, and now thousands of employees are home and not working.
People
House Dems seek consistency for feds in COVID-19 workforce policies
Childcare cost subsidies, weather and safety leave, telework allowances are among priorities for Democrats in planned CARES-2 legislative package.
Digital Government