Modernization
House Majority Leader backs remote voting
Downplaying security concerns, Rep. Steny Hoyer said conducting House business through video teleconference software was his "clear preference" to ensure continuity of Congress during the COVID-19 crisis.
Digital Government
Using tech to combat the coronavirus
Steve Kelman reports on early efforts to leverage technology for better contact tracing.
Digital Government
White House Instructs Agencies to Begin Process of Returning Some Employees to Their Offices
Operations will remain abnormal for the coming months and will vary widely across the country.
Cybersecurity
Agencies That Bought Cloud Services in Response to COVID-19 Need to Review Security Duties, Officials Say
Officials should ensure the security roles of the agency and vendor are clearly spelled out.
Emerging Tech
Forget Travel Vouchers, Airlines Should Give Customers Cash Back, Senators Say
A group of senators estimates airlines are holding about $10 billion from customers whose travel plans changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Modernization
VA and DOD Now Default to Sharing Patient Data with Private-Sector Providers
The joint electronic health records management office launched an information exchange program to make it easier to share patient data with thousands of “community partners.”
Digital Government
FCW Insider: April 21
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
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