Digital Government

Federal Trade Commission sweats peer-to-peer networks

The FTC has told nearly 100 organizations that sensitive information from their computer networks has made its way onto P2P file-sharing networks.

Digital Government

Former intell chief to talk cybersecurity

Former director of national intelligence Michael McConnell is scheduled to testify before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee about what is needed to protect the country's critical infrastructure from cyberthreats.

Digital Government

After Murtha: Vacancy on critical House defense panel opens way for new leader

John Murtha will be remembered for his long government service, military career and a love of earmarks that sometimes put him in hot water.

Acquisition

Bill would increase oversight of prime-subcontractor relations

The bill would pressure companies to keep a clean performance record by paying subcontractors on time.

Acquisition

Senators push for more small-business contracts

New legislation would require agencies to think about small businesses and reconsider bundled contracts.

Digital Government

Senate backs up Clinton on Internet freedom, Google/China

The Senate passed a resolution on Feb. 2 in support of global Internet freedom.

Cybersecurity

House votes to boost cybersecurity research, education

The House today passed a bill designed to improve reseach, development, education, and standards related to cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity

Cyber threat growing at unprecedented rate, intell chief says

Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair today gave a blunt assessment of the many cyber threats faced by U.S. government and private-sector networks.

Acquisition

Lieberman urges confirmation of nominee to lead GSA

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) has urged his colleagues to end debate on the nomination of Martha Johnson to be the General Services Administration’s administrator and confirm her as soon as possible.

People

Congress must revamp campaign finance online reporting, watchdog says

The recent Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited corporate contributions to campaigns is creating a need for a robust, comprehensive online campaign finance reporting system, says the Sunlight Foundation.

Digital Government

Legislation that would lead to better understanding of spectrum allocation takes first step in Congress

Two bills call for a national inventory of radio spectrum as a first step toward meeting the growing demand for bandwidth for mobile communications and computing devices.

Digital Government

FEHBP beneficiaries won't face higher health care tax...yet

Pressure from federal employee unions pushed lawmakers to give rank-and-file feds same deal on health excise tax as state/local counterparts.

Acquisition

GAO officials offer acquisition reform basics

The Government Accountability Office has some advice for federal agencies about selecting contract types to protect the government's interests.

Digital Government

Microsoft to Congress: Time to seed cloud computing

Privacy, security, and international sovereignty issues need congressional attention, says Brad Smith, senior Microsoft executive.

Acquisition

President orders clampdown on tax-delinquent contractors

The presidential memo directs federal officials and Congress to improve information sharing in order to block delinquent companies from receiving new awards.

Acquisition

House bill would punish users of front companies

A new bill in the House would penalize people who set up a company as a front to another business to get a government contract.

Digital Government

First responders lobby Congress for more spectrum on safety network

A coalition of public safety organizations wants Congress to allocate an additional 10 MHz of radio spectrum to the planned national public safety network.

Acquisition

Senate bill would expand access to GSA schedules for states

States and local governments may get access to the General Services Administration’s schedules program so they can get ready for an oncoming disaster, according to a new bill.

People

Senators push for acquisition workforce training

Two new bills would set up a federal acquisition management fellows program and strengthen the civilian training institute.

Digital Government

House passes defense bill that would reduce use of contractors

Defense spending bill includes measures to reduce spending on contractor outsourcing and new programs to reduce fraud and abuse.