Emerging Tech
Coronavirus Not Slowing Russian, Chinese Space Activities, U.S. General Says
Meanwhile, the U.S. has delayed several launches amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cybersecurity
Senator Pushes to Require National Cyber Director in Defense Authorization Bill
The National Cyberspace Solarium Commission recommended the position be Senate-confirmed and coordinate civilian and defense cyber operations.
Modernization
COVID-19 More Likely to Accelerate Telecom Modernization than Cause Delays, GSA Officials Say
The pandemic has delayed some agency transitions to the $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract, but those are outliers, according to program leads.
Digital Government
New House COVID-19 Bill Includes Hazard Pay for Feds, Strengthens Protections for Telework and Sick Leave
Pelosi on Tuesday unveiled legislation that would provide up to $10,000 in premium pay for federal workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak and would prevent agencies from exempting employees from paid sick leave benefits.
Cybersecurity
GAO: DHS Needs More Oversight for Service Contracts
An appropriate balance of staff is needed to ensure contractors don’t end up making policy in mission areas including cybersecurity, auditors said.
Modernization
GSA Offers Techniques for Quickly Coding Policy Changes
Coders from the General Services Administration offer examples for how agencies can turn administration policy into digital computer code.
Digital Government
FEMA Issues Solicitation For Temperature Screening Ahead of Plans to Reopen Two Facilities
The winning vendor will need to supply protective equipment for their employees and contactless, infrared temperature scanning for FEMA personnel.
Digital Government
Ignoring Trump and Right-Wing Think Tanks, Red States Expand Vote by Mail
The Heritage Foundation and other conservative groups warn, with little evidence, that voting by mail fosters fraud. But some Republican secretaries of state reject those concerns and see no alternative to absentee voting if the pandemic persists.
Digital Government
House Democrats Urge Leadership to Begin Paid Parental Leave for Feds Early
A group of 12 lawmakers said the new benefit for federal workers, currently slated for implementation in October, should apply retroactively to December.
Digital Government
Audit: HHS Not Maximizing Authorities to Recruit Scientists
The audit suggests the Health and Human Services Department should make use of the 21st Century Cures Act to recruit and retain more government scientists.
Cybersecurity
CISA Flags False Statements from China in COVID-19 Disinformation Warning
The agency also cautioned against dangerous suggestions—such as ingesting bleach—as cures for the disease.
Ideas
The U.S. Military Has Officially Published Three UFO Videos. Why Doesn't Anybody Seem to Care?
This is the first time the Pentagon has publicly confirmed the authenticity of UFO footage.
Artificial Intelligence
COVID-19 Is Accelerating Trends in the U.S.-China Relationship
Economic analysts see a closing window for U.S. policymakers to engage with Chinese counterparts on areas of mutual interest and benefit.
Digital Government
House Legislation Would Protect Feds’ Unused Leave During Coronavirus Pandemic
Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., has introduced a bill that would ensure that federal workers who are unable to take a vacation due to the COVID-19 outbreak will not lose their paid leave.
Emerging Tech
Big Tech and Aviation Companies to Set Standards For New Drone-Tracking System
The eight vendors will set the technology standards for FAA’s Remote ID program to track drones and their operators.
Emerging Tech
Pentagon, Senators Blast FCC Decision to Let Company Share GPS Spectrum
Space Force chief, Pentagon tech leaders, and the Armed Services chairman led calls to reconsider the controversial license for Ligado.
Cybersecurity
Government Absence Leaves Big Tech to Steer Privacy for Contact Tracing Apps
Agency CISOs will have to weigh the ramifications of apps that could combine health and location data of federal employees, a security professional said.
Digital Government
Bipartisan Senate Group Urges Hazard Pay for Feds
Nineteen senators encourage authorization of a 25% pay increase for frontline federal workers during the coronavirus pandemic, along with more guidance enhancing telework, leave and other protections for employees.
Digital Government
Despite Reporting Improvements, IRS Continues to Issue Billions in Improper Payments
In one program alone, the IRS shelled out $17 billion in improper payments.
Digital Government