Digital Government

Why making the White House a no-phone zone makes sense

A new policy to eliminate personal devices from the West Wing may be aimed at plugging leaks, but it could prove a smart move when it comes to security.

Cybersecurity

Can federal purchasing power counteract botnets?

New guidance required under the cybersecurity EO suggests that government purchasing power could induce tech manufacturers, especially in the emerging IoT space, to market more secure devices.

Cybersecurity

Feds face limited options for Meltdown, Spectre bugs

Patches can mitigate some of the vulnerabilities found in virtually every processor, but a DHS spokesperson said decisions on hardware replacement will be left up to individual agencies and CIOs.

People

OPM extends pay freeze for senior ranks

The Office of Personnel Management is extending a pay freeze for senior political officials — at least until Congress passes appropriations legislation.

Emerging Tech

Report: Post Offices Should Automate Pen-and-Paper Safety Checks

Automating compliance checklists could save time and result in better data, the Postal Service inspector general found.

Modernization

Why the telecom transition makes it a good time for UC

The transition to the $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract should have feds thinking about unified communications in the cloud.

Emerging Tech

Pentagon Seeks Laser-Powered Bat Drones

A new contest seeks flight systems inspired by Mother Nature and powered by directed-energy beams.

Cybersecurity

DATA Act review finds errors in $2 billion of DHS transactions

An oversight report found $1.9 billion in DHS transactions could not be linked to their corresponding award-level transactions for Q2 of FY2017, but the agency is pushing back on the findings.

Policy

White House Phone Ban May Have Unintended Consequences

Former officials say the ban could trade a marginal security improvement for a much tougher working environment.

Modernization

The Pentagon's Cloud Strategy Is ‘Evolving’

The department hasn't made a final decision on how many contracts it will award, a Pentagon spokesman said.

People

Senator seeks probe of 'burrowing' CFPB fed

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) wants the Office of Special Counsel to look into the conversion of Leandra English from a political appointee at OPM to a career official at CFPB.

Cybersecurity

Securing government email is a critical step for U.S. cybersecurity

Agencies could soon be leaders in authenticating email, but there still much work to be done.

Acquisition

GSA faces busy 2018

With changes in leadership, advancing technology and management of huge contracts, GSA has a busy year ahead.

People

Shared services: Getting past the sticking points

The push for shared services is revealing a host of challenges related to agencies’ core missions and government’s relationship with industry.

Digital Government

‘Surprising Capabilities’ Guru Tapped to Lead Air Force Acquisition

But assuming Will Roper wins confirmation, what will become of the Strategic Capabilities Office he helped create?

Digital Government

Former NSA Contractor Admits to Stealing Confidential Documents

Harold Martin III pleaded guilty to one of 20 counts of willful retention of national defense information.