Modernization
How an Agriculture App that Spills the Dirt on Soil Got a Second Life
The department’s barebones SoilWeb app grew a following until app stores changed their rules in 2017. Now it’s back.
Emerging Tech
Pentagon Looks into Virtual Reality to Prepare Troops for Nuclear War
The tech would let troops run through more exercises more frequently and at less cost than traditional training in the real world.
Digital Government
President Trump Signs Taxpayer First Act
The law will force the IRS to improve its customer experience while providing tools to move faster in hiring.
Modernization
DOD preps bases for 5G
Defense Department CIO Dana Deasy said the organization is putting together a list of bases across the services to test -- and ultimately keep -- 5G capabilities.
Modernization
Watchdog: Poor Oversight Put GSA’s $50B Telecom Transition Over Schedule, Over Budget
The agency hired contractors to help with a smooth transition but ended up spending lots of money for little movement.
Modernization
Digital Driver’s Licenses Could Become a Real Option in Some States
Several states have run pilots for digital driver’s licenses, which would allow residents to supplement plastic ID cards with smartphone apps. But as the technology becomes more of a reality, experts are worried about the privacy implications.
Digital Government
The Government’s Historic Spending Spree Continues
Spending data from the Government Accountability Office confirmed last year’s predicted spending spree and early fiscal 2019 data suggests historical spending levels continued.
Modernization
GSA Releases Draft Requirements For Governmentwide E-commerce Pilot
Interested vendors have until Aug. 1 to weigh in on the project, which is expected to officially kick off by the end of the year.
Modernization
Modernization Fund Program Isn’t Recouping Overhead Costs Fast Enough
The Technology Modernization Fund is incurring millions more in overhead costs than it is recouping in administrative fees.
Digital Government
Justice Department Launches API for Foreign Lobbyist Data
The new online portal offers the public easier access to documents filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, the law that put Paul Manafort in jail.
Digital Government
OMB Adds Customer Experience, Data Policy Updates to Annual Budget Guidance
The Office of Management and Budget released an update to Circular A-11, outlining how agencies should be thinking about their fiscal 2021 budget requests.
Modernization
National Archives Needs Better Handle on Agency Electronic Records, Says Watchdog
Challenges come from outdated technology, uncertain inventory of agencies.
Modernization
EIS delayed by shaky transition contract
The contract to manage the move to the General Services Administration's big telecom vehicle had some big holes and likely contributed to delaying the transition, according to a new watchdog report.
Modernization
Pennsylvania Becomes First State to Use Automated System to Expunge Criminal Records
After passing the country’s first ‘clean slate’ bill, Pennsylvania is debuting a system that will automatically clear the records of all who are eligible.
Digital Government
Former HUD Executive Indicted in Procurement Fraud Scheme
Eghbal “Eddie” Saffarinia, former assistant inspector general for IT, allegedly steered contracts to a friend’s company and failed to disclose cash payments.
Modernization
What happens when machines break the law?
Governments, private companies and financial institutions are all using AI to automate simple and complex processes. But what happens when an algorithm breaks the law and humans can't explain why?
Policy
Congress Passes Bill That Forces IRS to Revamp Taxpayer Experience
The bill passed the House and Senate earlier this month and would usher in major changes to the way IRS engages with millions of customers.
Modernization
Oracle fires back in JEDI lawsuit as court date approaches
Lawyers for Amazon Web Services, the Department of Justice and Oracle are set to deliver oral arguments in the long-running JEDI lawsuit on July 10, while an award from DOD is expected in late August.
Modernization
Lawmakers: OMB ‘Skirting the Intent of the Law’ With New Data Center Policy
The administration’s shift in focus to optimization, rather than closures, is not what lawmakers envisioned when they passed FITARA.
Modernization