Digital Government
National Data Service Must Be Shaped by Agencies’ Needs, Experts Say
“Build it and they will come” isn’t the way to start a service, according to data experts.
Modernization
Senators Push FCC to Increase Funding for Rural Health Care Program
The program helps expand access to telehealth services in rural and remote areas.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon Acquisition Chief Clarifies Temporary Extension for Implementing Chinese Equipment Ban
A recent memo allows vendors additional time to comply with Section 889 for certain low-risk goods, but the department is not seeking mass extensions, Ellen Lord told reporters.
Policy
What the Post Office Needs to Survive a Pandemic Election
Fueled by the president’s unfounded claims about rampant voter fraud, and reports of equipment being removed, the plight of the United States Postal Service has captured America’s attention. Will it collapse? Here’s what you need to know.
Emerging Tech
Small, DIU-Approved Drones to be Made Available for Agencies to Purchase
The systems are deemed secure after months of development and testing.
Digital Government
IG: Agriculture Employees, Contractors Aren’t Being Disciplined for Improper Use of Agency Networks
The watchdog said inconsistent policies and reporting structures have led to minimal repercussions for people using agency IT in unauthorized ways.
Cybersecurity
IRS Granted Tens of Thousands of Devices Network Access Without Proper Authentication
Most devices accessing the Internal Revenue Service’s internal network using wireless connections and virtual private networks weren’t authenticated, according to an audit.
Ideas
Diversity Pledges Alone Won't Change Corporate Workplaces – Here's What Will
The problem is not a lack of commitment but what social scientists call “unconscious bias.”
Cybersecurity
Commerce Expands Restrictions on Huawei
The department's Bureau of Industry and Security added another 38 Huawei affiliates to its Entity List.
Digital Government
HUD Must Improve Data Collection Methods to Ensure Accurate Homelessness Count, Audit Says
Estimates of the homeless population are likely undercounts.
Cybersecurity
Number of Foreign Companies Within Defense Supply Chain Grew Over Past Decade, Report Says
Reliance on foreign suppliers in the defense industrial base rose—notably in packaged software and IT services—even as calls for reshoring increase, according to a new report.
Policy
CBP Shifts to Enterprise Approach to Manage Phone Searches at U.S. Borders
The agency uses metadata to create a system of record for electronic device searches but agents may be able to access information irrelevant to their cases.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon Wants Contractor Feedback on Rule Change that Bans Certain Chinese Firms
A provision of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act banning agencies from contracting with companies doing business with Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE now takes effect.
Emerging Tech
New Coalition Wants to Help in Fight Against Election Misinformation
The Election Integrity Partnership consists of university researchers and others. Local election officials are among those the partnership is hoping to assist in the weeks ahead.
Emerging Tech
Do All Face Masks Offer Similar Protection? New Test Offers A Way to Compare
The limited findings raise doubts about the effectiveness of neck gaiters and bandanas in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Digital Government
OMB Makes Major Changes to Agency Guidance on Customer Experience
The Office of Management and Budget updated its Circular A-11 guidance for agencies this month, including an expanded definition of customer experience itself.
Digital Government
Senate Bill Would Permit Remote Work for All Eligible Federal Employees through the Pandemic
It would also enable the Technology Modernization Fund to be used to facilitate telework.
Cybersecurity
GAO to Suggest More than 100 Ways to Secure Federal IT Supply Chains
An upcoming GAO report will provide recommendations for civilian federal agencies to secure their global supply chains.
Ideas
We Need to Rethink Our Supply Chain Approach in Response to COVID-19
Markets do not work without information, and neither do task forces.
Emerging Tech