Digital Government
House Lawmakers Press HHS Secretary for Details on Contact Tracing Programs
States are turning to smartphone apps and other digital tools that could compromise privacy, the lawmakers wrote.
Policy
Lawmakers Want the Next COVID-19 Relief Package to Support Suicide Prevention
Dozens of officials want the government to establish “9-8-8” as the new “9-1-1” for mental health crises.
Digital Government
Federal Employee Union Proposes Preconditions to Returning to Government Work Sites
The American Federation of Government Employees last week called the Trump administration’s recently unveiled plans for “reopening” the federal government “premature and imprudent.”
Emerging Tech
Republican Lawmakers Propose Bill to Support Government COVID-19 Research Effort
The COVID Research Act includes several authorizations, including $50 million to the Energy Department.
Digital Government
One Year In, Administration Names First Lead Office In New Shared Services Regime
The Homeland Security Department is the first to designate a Quality Service Management Office to lead its shared services marketplace.
Artificial Intelligence
The Amazon Lockdown: How an Unforgiving Algorithm Drives Suppliers to Favor the E-Commerce Giant Over Other Retailers
At a time when much of the retail sector is collapsing, Amazon is strengthening its competitive position in ways that could outlast the pandemic — and raise antitrust concerns.
Digital Government
House Approves Creation of a Select Panel to Oversee Pandemic-Related Spending and Response
Critics have said the committee will be duplicative, but one transparency expert said that "overlapping oversight jurisdictions can be a good thing if managed correctly."
Digital Government
Governors, Mayor Implore Trump Administration Not to Send D.C.-Area Feds Back to the Office Prematurely
Acting too soon would endanger residents, they say.
Ideas
COVID-19: The Unlikely Accelerant of IT Modernization
The current crisis ushers in the workplace of the future today.
Digital Government
OPM Issues Guidance on Additional Paid Sick Leave for Feds During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The federal government’s human resources agency confirmed this week that most federal workers are eligible to take up to two additional weeks of paid sick leave this year related to COVID-19.
Cybersecurity
CISA’s Coming Supply Chain Guidance to Align with Pentagon’s Vendor Certification Program
Accreditation officials also pledged to address how the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program will treat FedRAMP and other certifications.
Digital Government
Agencies Remind Employees to Remain Ethical During Pandemic
Think twice before accepting a gift from a grateful citizen or using your work computer for personal activities, agencies say.
Policy
Bill Proposes $2 Billion to Help Students Get Online During the Pandemic
The legislation would mandate the Federal Communications Commission to distribute funds for Wi-Fi hotspots and other devices for internet connectivity.
Cybersecurity
The Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Certification Plan Includes Continuously Monitoring Contractors
A request for proposals outlines a portal where auditors would get automatic notifications if a company’s security score dips below a specified threshold.
Emerging Tech
NIST Launches Innovation Contests in IoT, Augmented Reality to Boost Emergency Response
Potential contestants must register and submit their concepts by May 6.
Emerging Tech
To Understand the Medical Supply Shortage, It Helps to Know How the U.S. Lost the Lithium Ion Battery to China
The failed U.S. effort to dominate global production of the lithium ion battery — which is key to energy independence, automobile innovation and more — holds lessons for leaders grappling with the U.S.’s reliance on China for emergency medical supplies.
Digital Government
Self-Reported Symptoms Pave Way for COVID-19 Forecasting
Researchers are gathering self-reported descriptions of COVID-19-related symptoms nationwide with the help of Facebook and GoogleSelf.
Digital Government
White House Instructs Agencies to Begin Process of Returning Some Employees to Their Offices
Operations will remain abnormal for the coming months and will vary widely across the country.
Emerging Tech
Forget Travel Vouchers, Airlines Should Give Customers Cash Back, Senators Say
A group of senators estimates airlines are holding about $10 billion from customers whose travel plans changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Modernization