Modernization
One A, One D in a Relatively Static FITARA Scorecard
Eighteen of 24 agencies received the same grade as in the previous FITARA scorecard.
Ideas
How ‘Degree Discrimination’ Can Affect Feds’ Pay
As long as the majority of federal positions require degrees, opening up opportunities to pursue higher education will be key to creating a more diverse workforce.
Cybersecurity
White House Asks CISA, NIST to Set Performance Goals for Critical Infrastructure Operators
The initiative will not result in mandatory measures for the private sector, but the administration hopes to signal its commitment to cybersecurity and maybe get a little help from Congress on that front.
Emerging Tech
Senate Banking Chair Asks CFPB How It Plans to Address Risks of Chime and Other Banking Apps
With an estimated 12 million customers, Chime is the largest in its highly competitive subcategory of financial technology companies that serve low- to moderate-income individuals.
Cybersecurity
TSA, Transportation Officials Give Insight into New Cybersecurity Mandates for Pipeline Operators
Agency leaders expressed a commitment to avoiding duplication of their efforts as lines blur between cyber and physical security.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Want DOD to Explore Tech's Valley of Death Problem
A House Armed Services subcommittee is calling for mandates in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act to examine barriers to scaling innovative tech.
Ideas
Fight for Control Threatens to Destabilize and Fragment the Internet
International power plays are a threat to a stable, open internet.
Modernization
House Appropriators Offer $50M for TMF But White House Wants 10 Times That
The Office of Management and Budget said it’s received more than $2 billion in proposals since getting $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan.
Modernization
Lawmakers Tell National Archives to Use Tech Modernization Funding to Fix Veterans’ Backlog
Congressional oversight chiefs want the National Archives to apply for funding through the Technology Modernization Fund.
Cybersecurity
DOD’s Supply Chain Security Should be Strategic Priority, Congressional Task Force Says
The Defense Critical Supply Chain Task Force released six legislative proposals calling for less dependence on adversaries like China and improved supply chain visibility.
Cybersecurity
Commerce Secretary Highlights Cybersecurity Workforce Needs With $3B Initiative
Grants will be competitively awarded to state and local governmental entities, institutions of higher education, not-for-profit entities, unions and tribes.
Cybersecurity
Senators Promote Cybersecurity Measures in Core Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework
Congressional leaders of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission stressed a need to focus specifically on water treatment systems.
Digital Government
House Panel Advances Bill Providing Feds Paid Family Leave
Republicans question the methodology of a last-minute preliminary study by the Congressional Budget Office, despite the fact that CBO does not do full reports until bills are sent to the House floor.
Ideas
The State of Data Security in the Federal Government
Most agencies don’t have a solid grasp of what data they have or where it is located.
Ideas
Low- and Middle-Income Countries Lack Access to Big Data Analysis – Here’s How to Fill the Gap
Statistical infrastructure can help improve everything from health care to politics.
Digital Government
Zero Trust-Like Approach Needed for Microelectronics Industry, Former DOD Official Says
Onshoring doesn’t mean vulnerabilities associated with chips will be instantly mitigated, the official said.
Cybersecurity
TSA’s New Cybersecurity Rules for Pipelines to Be Kept on Need-to-Know Basis
The details of a second set of security regulations will not be released publicly.
Emerging Tech
Treasury Secretary: Agencies Must Develop Stablecoin Regulations
New cryptocurrency could mean new rules.
Emerging Tech
Democrats Again Propose New Tech-Focused Agency and Big Boosts in R&D Funding
Lawmakers want the “aspirational vision” to help steer future negotiations.
Cybersecurity