Digital Government

Merit Board Offers Advice to Fix Reskilling Program That Hasn't Translated to Any New Job Placements

A pilot program to train some non-IT workers with technology skills has not resulted in anyone switching jobs, largely because participants would have needed to take a pay cut.

Cybersecurity

Presidential Advisers Expected to Push Software-Defined Networking for Secure Comms

Senate Commerce Committee is stockpiling legislation for coordinated investments in the tech.

Artificial Intelligence

VA’s Artificial Intelligence Director Details AI Institute’s Early Efforts

The center laying the groundwork for public/private partnerships to accelerate budding projects.

Modernization

Night court and the cloud

The Army's zero-based budgeting approach is said to turn up extra money for tech modernization.

Digital Government

GSA sets the stage for update to federal sites and apps

A new website, maturity model and other resources are now available to guide agencies as they implement the 21st Century IDEA Act.

Cybersecurity

Security clearance backlog continues to drop

Senate Intel leaders praised efforts by government to get its backlog of active security clearance adjudications under control, but want to see the system support more diversity.

Cybersecurity

Weakening Encryption Could Impact Election Security, Coalition Says

An election security group said the Justice Department’s renewed calls for access to encrypted data could impact more than privacy.

Digital Government

Pentagon Wants to Build One Satellite Per Week

Over the next two years, the Space Development Agency is looking to put dozens of satellites into orbit. 

Cybersecurity

Treasury Wants Better Information on Financial Entities’ Cybersecurity Practices

A department official says expanded data collection powers would enable it to “advocate” for companies with other agencies.

Emerging Tech

One State May Become the First to Ban Law Enforcement Use of Genealogy Databases

A Utah state representative said he believes lawmakers are prepared to continue their “strong record of protecting individual privacy.”

Digital Government

CBP pilot collects data on small international packages

A Customs and Border Protection pilot looks to nine e-commerce platforms and cargo companies for more detailed data on incoming small packages.

People

How to speed up Senate confirmation

Confirmation for political appointees has lagged, and the Partnership for Public Service has some ideas for picking up the pace.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: Jan. 22

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Cybersecurity

Survey: Financial-Sector Agencies’ Policies for Sharing Cyber Threats Inconsistent

Respondents describe barriers ranging from a lack of resources to intelligence agencies’ classification decisions.

Emerging Tech

Inside the CBP-Built ‘Backbone’ of Atlanta’s Biometric Terminal

An executive agency conducting a comprehensive assessment of the technology’s use in aviation security detailed its recent review of America’s first fully biometric terminal—and the service it runs on.

Modernization

Pentagon Issues JEDI Task Order for Training

The $1 million task order signals the Pentagon wants to move forward with JEDI.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Urge FTC to Investigate Aggregator’s Collection and Sale of Americans’ Financial Data

The officials question whether Envestnet is violating the FTC Act by not being transparent about its collection and sale of consumers’ financial information.

Emerging Tech

Air Force’s ‘Base of the Future’ Ideas Will Be Tested on Tyndall Rebuild

The service’s private sector outreach program, AFWERX, will host a series of workshops in 2020 to hear innovative ideas.

Digital Government

Defense Pledges to Do a Better Job of Sharing Security Information With Overseas Contractors 

The State Department has yet to respond to an industry association letter expressing concern over contractor safety.