Cybersecurity

DHS Cyber Chief is Ready to Update Federal Tech Hiring

The department is preparing to roll out a new personnel system that will let officials “hire people based on their skill sets, not what’s on a piece of paper,” said Chris Krebs.

Digital Government

IRS Is Catching More Phony Tax Refunds Before They Go Out

The agency is finding fewer fraudulent tax returns but is getting better at stopping payments on the ones it does.

Cybersecurity

Senate Bill Promises Retaliation If Russia Again Meddles in Elections

The bill would force the U.S. to sanction Russian industries.

People

House Dems oppose White House reorg plan

The White House's proposal to reorganize and shutter the Office of Personnel Management hit a major snag, with House Oversight Democrats opposing any funding of the plan.

Emerging Tech

114 Lawmakers Push to Fund Clean Energy Research

The group wants $500 million for the Energy Department’s advanced research projects agency, which would be eliminated under the White House’s 2020 budget request.

People

Trump administration wants FLRA to hear workforce order cases

Union attorneys were surprised by government arguments in a court of appeals that their objections to three executive orders on workforce issues should have been brought to Federal Labor Relations Authority rather than to federal court.

Ideas

The Promise and Limitations of AI in Cybersecurity

In the cybersecurity arena, hype runs deep, and AI is no exception.

Emerging Tech

Another Launch Startup Gets Work from the Air Force

New Zealand-based Rocket Lab will orbit a trio of satellites as Pentagon hunts for cheap ways to put sensors in space.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: April 4

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Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Ideas

It’s Time To Make Data Strategic For Our Navy

The U.S. Navy’s future lethality depends on a new digital culture.

Modernization

VA Won’t Delay Launch of Private Care Software Tool Despite Reported Flaws

The tech will go live on June 6 even if it’s operating “at 70 percent or 50 percent,” said Secretary Robert Wilkie.

Cybersecurity

DHS has yet to crack the code on its cyber workforce

A DHS official told Congress the department is getting closer to classifying and coding its cybersecurity workforce, but did not provide a timeline for completion.

Modernization

USDA Launches New Features on Farmers.gov

The site’s latest functions will enable America’s agriculture producers to better manage loans and the H-2A visa process.

People

New bills look to lock in health coverage for feds during shutdowns

House and Senate lawmakers are teaming up on a new bill to make sure federal employee health benefits are not interrupted in the event of a government shutdown.

Cybersecurity

The FBI Takes Too Long to Alert Victims of Cyberattacks

In one instance, agents waited nine months to tell a company it had been breached, according to an internal watchdog.

Modernization

Want to Address Food Insecurity in Your Community? There's an App For That.

How a county housing authority partnered with a tech nonprofit to deliver food to vulnerable residents.

Modernization

GSA Redefines ‘Pay As You Go’ Terms As Part of Cloud SIN Refresh

The cloud special item number will now include professional services offerings and reduce the billing term for a “measured service” down to one month.

Cybersecurity

OPM issues final rule on direct-hire for cyber

The Office of Personnel Management has issued its final rule to give agencies the authority to more easily hire for IT and cyber positions.

Cybersecurity

Installing Chinese 5G Gear is Dangerous—and Probably Inevitable: NATO Center Report

Alliance members should look to mimic Britain, which created an entire government office to scrutinize Huawei’s products for security problems.