Ideas
A Practical Guide to Next Steps of the Pentagon’s Vendor Cyber Certification Program
Kicking your cybersecurity can down the road is no longer an option.
Policy
Hassan Joins Senate Cybersecurity Caucus
The junior senator from New Hampshire became the caucus’ 17th member.
Emerging Tech
CBP Starts Process to Include U.S. Citizens in Facial Recognition Program
A proposed rule change would no longer allow citizens and green card holders to opt-out of Customs and Border Protection’s biometrics program.
Digital Government
Watchdog: Proposed OPM-GSA Merger Continues to 'Evolve' Despite Lack of Legislation
Officials have continued to examine moving portions of OPM to GSA piecemeal, and still lack documentation for the legal authority and cost benefit analyses, the inspector general said.
Digital Government
Senators Renew Effort to Safeguard People’s Data Online
The bill would make companies subject to fines from the Federal Trade Commission if they poorly protect data.
Cybersecurity
Small Contractors Struggle to Meet Cybersecurity Standards, Pentagon Finds
Even large companies aren’t doing as well as they think they are, the assistant acquisition chief said.
Ideas
5 Strategies for Building a Culture of Data Literacy
Getting agency buy-in to a culture of data literacy means getting everyone at every level to appreciate the value of data.
Emerging Tech
Pentagon Nearly Doubles Use of Other Transaction Authority Purchases
The Defense Department is embracing the alternative procurement method but could use more oversight of the deals, a Government Accountability Office audit found.
Digital Government
White House Builds Out Science and Tech Office
The Trump administration has been slow to fill positions in its tech policy apparatus.
Digital Government
Report: Trump Administration Has Made Significant Changes to LGBTQ Content on Federal Websites
Language, resources and content have been changed since January 2017.
Cybersecurity
What to Expect from Congress’ Cyber Strategy Brain Trust
The Cyberspace Solarium Commission aims to have policy recommendations ready to plug into the next defense authorization bill, Co-Chairman Rep. Mike Gallagher said.
Cybersecurity
Senate Committee Approves $250 Million to Fund the Electric Grid Security
The PROTECT Act would create a federal grant program to help small utility companies improve their digital defenses.
Modernization
Officials: Working Capital Funds Take Time But Have ‘Real Staying Power’
Agencies are still figuring out the best way to establish and govern IT working capital funds two years after passage of the MGT Act.
Digital Government
Transportation to Start Tracking Sexual Harassment of Travelers Under New Bill
The bill calls for certain airlines and railroads to track harassment and assault of their workers and passengers and report incidents to the Transportation Department.
Digital Government
Impasses Panel Gives Rare Win to Union on Telework
Just days after the Social Security Administration announced the impending end of a long-running telework pilot program for operations staff, the panel protected employees in the Office of Hearing Operations from a similar fate.
Digital Government
House Passes Month-Long Spending Bill With Two Days Until Shutdown
Congress appears likely to avoid a Thanksgiving lapse in appropriations, but will face a new deadline near Christmas.
Cybersecurity
Federal CISO: Better Info Sharing Will Lead to More Secure Supply Chain
Federal Chief Information Security Officer Grant Schneider outlined the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Council goals for 2020.
Digital Government
Defense Department Fails Its Second Audit, Yet Is Making Progress
This was only the second audit completed for the Pentagon since a 1990 law required them.
Policy
Congress Reaches Deal to Fight Robocalls
“It’s time to put Americans back in charge of their phones,” lawmakers said.
Ideas