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
White House Advises Agencies on COVID-19 Spending and Reporting
“Time is of the essence,” but “spending transparency and regular reporting will provide important accountability mechanisms to help safeguard taxpayer dollars,” the Office of Management and Budget said in a memo.
Acquisition
GSA speeds payments to small business contractors
The General Services Administration made an exception to Federal Acquisition Regulations to accelerate payments to its small business prime contractors and subcontractors.
People
Court ruling makes investigating whistleblowers easier
Whistleblowers must prove retaliation through official personnel action under the WPA
Emerging Tech
Pentagon Wants Wearable, Lightweight Laser Detectors For the Troops
The challenge will be getting a sensitive enough sensor into a small enough package
Digital Government
FCW Insider: April 14
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Cybersecurity
Defense Department Details Rapid Increase in Teleworking Capacity That's Here to Stay
The department’s vast expansion is thanks to $10.5 billion in funding from the coronavirus stimulus bill.
Digital Government
Use of VA’s Telehealth, Virtual Mental Health Services Skyrocket
VA is adapting new ways to treat patients during the pandemic.
Emerging Tech
How Homeland Security’s Biosurveillance Arm Uses Tech To Track a Pandemic
The National Biosurveillance Integration Center began tracking what would become the novel coronavirus on Jan. 2.
People
Temporary Excused Paid Leave sounds good but is hard to come by
Feds with dependent care responsibilities that stretch them to the breaking point have a stopgap once leave options are exhausted, but many agencies are reluctant to put it in play.
Acquisition
DOD pulls the trigger on the DPA
DOD to issue $133 million in production contracts for N95 masks under the Defense Production Act.
Digital Government
Agencies look to digital financial outlets to disburse relief funds
As IRS and the Small Business Administration tap digital-only financial firms to assist in relief funding, concerns are emerging about cybersecurity vulnerabilities and fraud.
Digital Government
Georgia Man Allegedly Tried To Sell $750M in Nonexistent Masks To Veterans Affairs
The man tried the same scheme on state governments, according to prosecutors.
Cybersecurity
DHS looks to the cloud to manage its Procurement Innovation Lab
The Department of Homeland Security is in the market for a cloud-based workload management system to support procurement innovation experts.
Ideas
The Intersection of Cyber Crime and Coronavirus Stimulus: The Perfect Storm for Fraud
Millions of people filing for unemployment, a fast-moving economic stimulus, requests for accelerated payments, and obligations and contract awards—all of these factors create the perfect storm for fraudsters.
Digital Government
The Air Force and Navy Are Testing A Biometric App to Stay Fit Amid Social Distancing
The app is helping the services monitor the health of sailors and airmen stuck at home.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: April 13
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Ideas