Modernization
GAO offers options for improving U.S. semiconductor supply
The prioritization of semiconductor goals—such as protecting national security or improving economic competition—determine which option will prove most important.
Policy
Pass the CHIPS Act
COMMENTARY | Two former senior defense and intelligence leaders lay out the case for Congressional action to help the U.S. semiconductor industry.
Cybersecurity
Senators look to thwart future quantum hacks
The Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act would instruct the federal government to accelerate preparations for defending against future exploits powered by quantum computing.
People
Leveling the field for federal cyber talent
The federal government's top human resources official wants agencies to be on an "equal footing" when it comes to hiring cybersecurity professionals.
People
The House has cleared the way for Biden’s 4.6% pay raise plan
Lawmakers effectively endorsed the president’s pay raise proposal for federal workers Wednesday, although the Senate has yet to weigh in on the issue.
Cybersecurity
House bill tasks CISA with SolarWinds report
A key lawmaker on the House Homeland Security Committee wants more details on what was breached and what was lost when the SolarWinds Orion platform was compromised in a supply chain attack.
Cybersecurity
Vendors prep for new cyber rules of the road
Federal policy is shifting to impose tighter cybersecurity requirements on government contractors and Congress appears poised to impose new standards throughout the private sector.
People
Budding spies might not get weeded out for past drug use
Activists say this would be a practical step to help ensure all the best candidates are getting considered for intelligence jobs.
Acquisition
SBA team targets set-aside contracts awarded to ineligible firms
The Office of Government Contracting and Business Development successfully steered over $5 billion in contracting opportunities for small businesses away from firms that were ineligible for set-asides.
Defense
Spotlight on innovation in the 2023 defense policy bill
The Defense Innovation Unit stands to get $81 million, double its requested budget, for fiscal 2023, under the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Defense
House committee boosts defense budget by $37B
The House Armed Service Committee’s topline is more than Biden’s budget request, but less than that of its Senate counterpart
People
Three options for the FBI’s long-awaited new headquarters are still on the table
The General Services Administration briefed lawmakers on this last week.
Defense
Senate panel approves $45B boost to 2023 defense topline
The House draft followed Biden’s budget, but lawmakers are expected to debate the funding number next week.
People
House Oversight Committee advances legislation encouraging telework at agencies
The bill would improve training for managers, among other things.
Defense
Defense topline funding could see a bump, panel chairman says
The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told reporters he was confident that defense budget limits could be increased beyond the White House's request.
Digital Government
Pandemic response watchdogs urge agencies to focus on ID theft
Federal agencies need to contend with outdated tech, identity proofing and data issues while also helping identity fraud victims, inspectors general told a House panel on Tuesday.
Acquisition
Small biz leaders ask Congress to address category management woes
As the rate of small businesses providing goods and services to the federal government plummets, experts are demanding lawmakers reassess an increasingly popular procurement method meant to reduce burdens and cost.
People
Former DOD cyber official loses bid for Congress despite Trump’s backing
Katie Arrington, who led a Defense Department push to bring 300,000 contractors into compliance with cyber hygiene policies, lost her race to oust a Republican incumbent in a South Carolina congressional primary.
Defense
Lawmakers want to know how much bad software costs DOD
When the House Armed Services Committee begins its markup process of the annual defense authorization bill on June 8, look out for a provision asking the Pentagon to account for wasted money and lost productivity caused by poorly performing software.
Modernization