Cybersecurity

Defense Contractor Cybersecurity Certifiers Launching ‘National Conversation’ Webinars 

The accreditation body shared timelines for working groups that will shape key features of its program.

Digital Government

Justice, HHS Redistribute More than 500,000 Pieces of Protective Gear Seized from Hoarder

Emergency medical supplies peddled by price gougers were redistributed to front line medical personnel in New York and New Jersey.

People

Lawmakers look to shield defense contractors from COVID-19 fallout

Virginia Democrat Sen. Mark Warner and Texas Republican Rep. Mac Thornberry hope to protect national security by bolstering the industrial base.

People

IRS outlines expanded flexible work schedule

The IRS, which is operating under an evacuation order that mandates telework for all eligible employees, released new guidance outlining its flexible work schedule policy.

Digital Government

House Lawmakers Accuse GSA of Breaching Ban on Implementing OPM Merger

Oversight panel leaders say newly uncovered emails confirm that the General Services Administration’s pending revocation of the Office of Personnel Management’s building operation authority is part of the plan to abolish the HR agency.

Modernization

COVID Response Delays Awards for GSA’s E-Commerce Platform Pilots

The online purchasing platforms were meant to be awarded and rolled out before the end of the year. But getting agencies equipped with teleworking tech has taken priority.

Ideas

COVID-19 Should Prompt Enterprises to Move Quickly to Zero Trust 

While implementing zero trust architecture during this period of coronavirus-caused disruption is unlikely, agency leaders can take some steps to build some of the foundational capabilities necessary.

Emerging Tech

Argonne Taps Supercomputing Network to Study How Coronavirus Spreads 

The national laboratory enlisted collaborators to help unleash a range of efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

Ideas

Society's Dependence on the Internet: 5 Cyber Issues the Coronavirus Lays Bare

These include the constantly morphing spread of disinformation.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: April 2

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Digital Government

Space Agency Launches ‘NASA at Home’ to Engage Those in Coronavirus Confinement

Resources include do-it-yourself activities, live virtual chats with astronauts and officials, formal lesson plans, an augmented reality app and more.

Cybersecurity

Infosec Reviews Not Good for Small Business Administration, Veterans Affairs Department

Audits note poor posture and highlight weaknesses related to remote work and contractor oversight.

People

Oversight Dems want answers from GSA on OPM facilities move

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are complaining that the Trump administration is continuing to advance the proposed merger of the Office of Personnel Management into the General Services Administration despite language in recent legislation requiring a pause on the effort.

Acquisition

Pandemic delays GSA's e-commerce plans 

With COVID-19 support response prioritized, the General Services Administration puts a hold on its e-commerce portal proof of concept contract.

People

DOD issues permission slips for workers in national capital region

The Defense Department issued memos and permission letters for personnel working in the Washington, D.C. region as local and state governments' stay-at-home orders go into effect.

Digital Government

How Census Is Building a Citizenship Database Covering Everyone Living in the U.S.

By March 2021, the bureau plans to release anonymized statistics while keeping the raw data on individuals' citizenship status confidential.

Emerging Tech

Team Builds Ventilators from $300 Worth of Parts

Faculty and students at Rice University gathered to see how quickly they could develop a more robust prototype built primarily of 3D-printed and laser-cut parts.