Ideas
We're Using Lasers and Toaster-Sized Satellites to Beam Information Faster through Space
Yes, that's optical communication.
Digital Government
GAO Handbook Helps Answer Whether That New Tech Is Right For Your Agency
The handbook outlines how the Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics Office prepares reports for Congress, but the principles can be applied to any organization looking at new technologies.
Artificial Intelligence
What Veterans Affairs Aims to Accomplish Through Its Artificial Intelligence Institute
The agency plans to streamline and advance its AI efforts to better meet veterans’ needs.
Cybersecurity
Impeachment looms over shutdown talks
A third continuing resolution could be in the cards as lawmakers wrangle over funding levels.
Cybersecurity
'Technical irregularities' plagued contact chaining at NSA
ODNI's privacy czar said bad data from telecoms irrevocably tainted the contact-chaining process that was at the heart of the NSA's Call Detail Records program.
People
Paid parental leave for feds in NDAA
The must-pass defense bill is set to emerge from conference committee with a provision that gives civilian feds 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Ideas
Sensitive Data Must Be Protected. That Doesn’t Mean It Can’t Also Be Used.
Two promising tools may allow agencies to share data while maintaining privacy and security requirements.
Modernization
DOD seeks more 5G prototypes
The Defense Department detailed two more draft plans for proposed 5G testbeds at military bases around the country.
Modernization
Amazon’s Bezos Hits Silicon Valley For Not Working With Pentagon
His comments come as his company fights to wrest DOD’s giant cloud contract from Microsoft.
Modernization
AWS lawsuit alleges 'improper pressure' from Trump on JEDI
President Donald Trump personally steered a $10-billion cloud computing contract away from frontrunner Amazon Web Services out of personal and political animus against Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, according to the details of a lawsuit released publicly Dec. 9.
Emerging Tech
Bill Would Constrain Some Police Use of Facial-Recognition Tools
A 72-hour limit on tracking individuals would become the first, and somewhat arbitrary, federal line in the sand.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: Dec. 9
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Digital Government
Feds Should Prepare Financially for Another Government Shutdown
Here are some ideas to help managers make sure employees are covered during a worst-case scenario.
Modernization
Navy operations chief puts cloud, networks at center of maritime war strategy
Adm. Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, directs senior leaders to incorporate technology to enhance maintenance, training, and warfighting capabilities.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime at the center of IRS investigations in 2019
Officials from the agency's criminal investigations unit touted a major shift over the past year towards multi-stakeholder partnerships to investigate cybercrime and cryptocurrencies in financial crime.
Digital Government
Lawsuit Against Working During Shutdowns Presents a Potential Catch-22
A federal judge ruled it would be too disruptive to stop agencies from forcing employees to work without pay during a lapse in appropriations, but the Trump administration on Wednesday argued the case is now moot because government is open.
Modernization
FAA to Decommission Decades-Old System that Keeps Pilots Up to Date on Hazardous Weather
It’s all part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to modernize the services it provides.
Modernization