Ideas
Americans Still Need a Lifeline Despite Trillions in Coronavirus Aid
About two-thirds of families that suffered job losses or reduced wages during the pandemic still reported facing serious financial hardship.
Cybersecurity
FCC Approves Proposal to Increase Eligibility Under Supply Chain Order
The agency’s acting chief has reached out to interagency partners and wants to create a team dedicated to network security issues.
Digital Government
Federal Agencies Respond to the Severe Arctic Blast
Millions are without power due to the extreme freeze.
Modernization
Census Bureau Opts for Small Business to Support Digital Communication Strategy
The bureau is planning a virtual industry day ahead of the release of a formal request for proposals.
Artificial Intelligence
How NSF and Amazon Are Collectively Tackling Artificial Intelligence-Based Bias
An agency official shared an update on the Program on Fairness in AI.
Cybersecurity
White House Plans Executive Action in Response to Hack Involving SolarWinds
The official leading the effort said changes are necessary to allow information sharing within the federal government.
Cybersecurity
Despite Security Concerns, Online Voting Advances
Online voting is likely to become more popular as technology improves and as election officials seek ways to expand access to the ballot. But security experts warn of hacking threats.
Modernization
DOD Secured Fair Prices Despite Rapid Shift to Mass Telework, Audit Finds
The department also was able to reduce cybersecurity risks as it bought IT products and services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an inspector general report concluded.
Digital Government
Consumer Product Safety Commission Employees Want to Telework at Least Twice Per Week Post-Pandemic
Commission staff and leadership report higher productivity during mass telework and more benefits than drawbacks.
Digital Government
How Commerce Department Data Efforts Moved from ‘First Gear to Third Gear’
Thomas Beach, the Commerce Department’s interim CDO, talked with Nextgov about how his agency’s data work has evolved from focusing on governance to deliverables.
Digital Government
CDO Council Outlines Fresh Plans for New Year
The nascent group shared details via its first report to Congress—and on a new public website.
Digital Government
Some Agencies Tell Employees They Should Be Prioritized for COVID-19 Vaccine, But Offer Little Other Help
Federal agencies and states appear to disagree on who is responsible for vaccinating frontline federal workers.
Ideas
FAA Releases Remote ID, the Largest Regulatory Change for Drones In Years
Part of the purpose is to allow for more complex operations in the future.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Want the U.S. to Enable Increased Use of IoT Devices
The Internet of Things Readiness Act calls for comprehensive, Federal Communications Commission-steered studies.
Ideas
4 Data Analytics Trends to Watch in 2021
Expect more live data dashboards and APIs as a key enabler.
Digital Government
Snug and Doubled-Up Masks Can Help Stop Covid Spread, CDC Finds
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new research looking at the effectiveness of wearing two masks at once, or tighter fitting face coverings.
Cybersecurity
Hack of Florida Water Treatment Plant Should Be a Wake-Up Call, Experts Say
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency should be involved every step of the way, a former presidential adviser said.
Digital Government
OMB Nominee to Prioritize Efficient, Tech-Savvy Government
Neera Tanden cited cybersecurity as one of her top priorities and pushed for Congress to add to the Technology Modernization Fund.
Digital Government