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
AFGE denounces budget targets in GOP defense bill
The American Federation of Government Employees issued a letter April 16 to Congress opposing parts of the proposed Expanding Acquisition Reform Act, which seeks to formalize DOD's zero-based budgeting process.
Acquisition
OMB follows DOD with guidance on paying idled contractors
The White House instructs federal agencies to leverage relief for contractors in the CARES Act where appropriate.
Ideas
Ensuring Continuity with Your Internal Customers in a Virtual World
Focus on internal customers, even during a pandemic.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: April 17
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Artificial Intelligence
Pentagon Needs Tools to Test the Limits of Its Artificial Intelligence Projects
The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center seeks cutting-edge evaluation capabilities to assess what systems can and can’t effectively do.
Cybersecurity
Treasury Secretary Says Electronic Stimulus Payments ‘More Secure,' But Are They?
Verifying the identity of people submitting personal information to IRS portals could be a challenge for the agency.
Emerging Tech
OSTP, NIST Team Up to Fine-Tune Search Engines for COVID-19 Research
Researchers are using the present health crisis to help improve search systems and enable clinicians to find better answers quicker.
Cybersecurity
COVID-19 outbreak may delay audits for DOD's cyber certification
The first audits for the Defense Department's unified cybersecurity standard for vendors may be delayed up to a month.
Digital Government