Cybersecurity

Experts disagree on effect of E-Verify's expiration

The authorization for the E-Verify employment verification program expires three weeks after it is set to cover federal contractors.

People

Regulators propose database on contractors' past work

The system would contain specific information on the integrity and performance of contractors and federal grantees.

Cybersecurity

Bill would give president power to disconnect private networks

A Senate bill proposes giving the president the power to shut down and disconnect any government or private computer network or system that is compromised by a cyberattack.

People

Dave McClure to lead GSA's Office of Citizen Services and Communications

McClure said he wants to foster "a more citizen-centered government that is transparent, participatory, and collaborative."

Modernization

OMB and private groups track Congressional earmarks

A volunteer group is creating an online database to contain more than 17,000 congressional earmark requests, while OMB says it is planning to expand its own database next year.

Cybersecurity

Peer pressure: Congress plans file-sharing ban

Peer-to-peer software, used to easily share computer files, poses a security risk and has no place on government or contractor networks, according to some members of Congress who held a hearing about the technology recently.

Cybersecurity

Hathaway's departure renews worries about cyberczar vacancy

The resignation of Melissa Hathaway, the Obama administration’s acting senior director for cyberspace, has brought renewed scrutiny on the administration's effort to secure the online world.

Cybersecurity

Agencies play by different rules on contractor award fees, says GAO

Federal agencies are not being consistent in how they distribute contractor award fees, according to a senior GAO official.

Cybersecurity

E-Verify could add biometrics

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) has begun laying the groundwork for adding a biometric — most likely a fingerprint — to the E-Verify federal employment verification system

Acquisition

Bill would end HUBZone primacy

HUBZone businesses have priority over companies owned by service-disabled veterans and those in the 8(a) program, but that might change.

Modernization

Where in the world is the geospatial data?

Policy changes and new technologies can help agencies better manage geospatial data.

Cybersecurity

Bill would ban peer-to-peer use in agencies

A House committee chairman who has jurisdiction over some government operations plans to introduce a bill designed to ban the use of peer-to-peer software on government and contractor networks.

Modernization

Myers to head Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Kenneth A. Myers III has been selected to serve as the director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Fort Belvoir, the Defense Department announced July 27.

Modernization

Committee approves bill to strip some IT requirements from Real ID

A bill that would remove costly information technology requirements from a secure identification law has been approved by a Senate committee.

Modernization

GAO: Details needed on electronic records system

The National Archives and Records Administration's spending plan for its Electronic Records Archive system needs important details, GAO has found.

Acquisition

Senate passes bill with HUBZone change

The legislation would remove the “shall” in the law that some say gives small businesses in economically depressed areas first preference in contract set-asides.

Digital Government

House hearing calls for stronger federal role in geospatial efforts

Lawmakers take the Obama administration to task for paying insufficient heed to the need to develop a coordinated federal policy for geospatial information.

Acquisition

Congress, administration move into protected territory

The government is having a debate about certain small businesses that live by special rules — from ANCs to companies in historically underutilized business zones.

Acquisition

Small bites, greater expertise produce speedier acquisitions

Procurement experts say there are numerous steps DOD officials could take to increase the odds that acquisitions will deliver the expected results in a timely and cost-effective fashion.

Cybersecurity

House bill would restrict laptop searches

A House subcommittee today will consider legislation that would require DHS to strengthen protections for U.S. citizens whose laptops are searched at the borders.