Modernization
Shoddy Contracting Practices Lead to Overbilling at EPA
A limited review by the inspector general found the agency had paid of unallowable costs.
Modernization
VA To Codify Customer Experience As Part of Core Values
The need to consider ease, effectiveness and emotion in all decisions will become part of the department’s Code of Federal Regulations.
Policy
The U.S. System for ‘Skilled’ Migrants Is Broken
Obtaining an H-1B visa was always complicated. Now it’s even harder to get one.
Modernization
GSA Selects OPM for Third Centers of Excellence
Under the program, OPM will work with industry to modernize its IT infrastructure and improve the government’s tech workforce planning.
Policy
Federal Infrastructure Funding is Good, but Local Governments Want Flexibility Too
Accessing federal funds for infrastructure projects is much too difficult, county leaders say. With reauthorization of the FAST Act on the table, they want a bigger say in how money can be spent.
Modernization
One City’s Journey to Filing Complaints About Police Online
Austin, Texas, debuted an anonymous online feedback form that eases the process for residents to describe interactions they have with police officers
Digital Government
President Trump Is Collecting Social-Media Grievances
The sitting president just released a new tool in his war of words with tech companies.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Want Spy Agencies to Help Secure Government Tech and Elections
The Intelligence Authorization Act would increase the IC’s involvement in a number of federal tech and cyber efforts.
Digital Government
HHS Accused of 'Censorship' of Obamacare Website Materials
Nonprofit monitor flags 85 removed pages, warns of harm to vulnerable groups.
Policy
Senate Considers Bill to Modernize Constituent Services
The CASES Act is one of several customer experience-related bills Congress is considering.
Policy
House Homeland Gives Thumbs Up for Permanent DHS Cyber Response Team
The committee passed a trio of other bills that would fight digital spies, improve intelligence sharing and bolster counterterrorism tech research.
Digital Government
OPM Chief to Propose Legislation for Merger With GSA By Week’s End
The Trump administration claims OPM cannot function properly without revenue from the National Background Investigations Bureau.
Digital Government
Updated Federal Data Strategy and Draft Action Plan Coming Soon
The final action plan is set to be released in August, with deliverables for agencies to meet within one year.
Emerging Tech
Senators Urge FCC Not to Use 24GHz Spectrum for 5G
Experts across government are concerned it will disrupt the future of weather forecasting.
Podcasts
Critical Update: Enter The Innovators
Season 3 of Critical Update kicks off with a mythbusting session on what it means to be innovative in government.
Cybersecurity
House Leaders Aim to Secure Voting with Grants and Paper Ballots
The bill would also create cybersecurity standards for voting systems.
Cybersecurity
Chemical Safety Board Needs to Consistently Follow Its Cyber Rules, Watchdog Says
Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Inspector General said the agency’s lack of defined policies makes it susceptible to security incidents.
Digital Government
FEMA Used Google Rather Than Verified Registry to Fill Hurricane Relief Contracts
Agency that has come under recent scrutiny for handling of contracts rejects IG recommendations.
Emerging Tech
Pentagon ‘Matchmakers’ Aim to Keep U.S. Tech Firms from Taking Chinese Money
Defense officials hope to protect cutting-edge technologies by getting innovative firms funded by U.S.-friendly investors.
Cybersecurity